Two men from Wanstead who claim they were tortured by police in Dubai faced one of their alleged torturers in court today.

Grant Cameron, of Harpendon Road in Wanstead, and Karl Williams of Herongate Road in Wanstead, were arrested along with Suneet Jeerh, from Ilford, in Dubai in July last year.

Police claimed to have found a form of synthetic cannabis in the hire car they were using.

The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the charges, claim they were then subjected to beatings and electric shocks.

An arresting officer, whose name has not been released, gave evidence against them.

The officer was identified by Mr Jeerh as the man who electrocuted him.

At the last hearing on March 14, Lieutenant Othman Ali gave evidence and according to human rights charity Reprieve Lt Ali denied the men were abused and claimed they were treated well.

Reprieve are calling on the UAE to conduct an investigation into the torture claims.

Reprieve investigator Kate Higham said: “It is outrageous that the UAE authorities have not put the trial on hold while they conduct an independent investigation into the torture.

"It is absurd that these officers should be allowed to give evidence against the men, denying the allegations of torture, at the same time as those allegations should be being investigated.

"The UAE has to start treating their international obligations seriously – if they can’t be trusted to act according to the conventions they sign then that has huge implications not just in the area of international human rights, but also in international commercial law.”

According to the organisation both hearings were held in Arabic, a language none of the men understand and which is also a breach of international law.

The defence will begin to present their evidence on April 18 at the next hearing.

If the men are found guilty of the drugs charges they could face the death penalty.