Update from SMH / The Age tonight (emphasis added for pertinent info):
UAE case against Aussie businessmen adjourned
Key prosecution evidence against three Australians charged in the United Arab Emirates with drinking alcohol and sexual harassment on a plane has been withdrawn, a spokesman for the men says.
Businessmen Jeremy Snaith and William Sargent have been in custody near Abu Dhabi facing drug, sexual harassment and intoxication charges.
The third Australian, David Evans, was charged with sexual harassment, indecent exposure and intoxication but was released on bail.
The three first-class passengers were arrested after getting off an Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi on April 27.
Sean Mulcahy, a spokesman for Snaith and Evans, who are both directors of Jupiter Mines Ltd, said the trio appeared in the Abu Dhabi court today.
Mr Mulcahy said the prosecution evidence submitted to the court had not included evidence from Etihad flight attendants concerning the men's alleged sexual misconduct.
The judges have adjourned the case to consider their verdict, and a decision could be handed down later today.
Mr Mulcahy said he expected the men to be acquitted on all charges.
"It's always been our case that nobody was drunk on the flight, blood and alcohol tests confirmed negative results for drugs or alcohol apart from the minor prescription medication of Mr Sargent," he said.