Teen jailed in Dubai over sex with girl released

Marcus Fakana handed himself in to the authorities in December to begin a one-year jail sentence

A British teenager jailed in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl has been released and is back in the UK.

Marcus Fakana, 19, from Tottenham, north London, was sentenced in December to a year's imprisonment after a consensual relationship with the girl, who is also British, while on holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The age of consent in the UAE is 18.

He has received a royal pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, campaign group Detained in Dubai has said.

Eid pardon

A Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "He was released on an Eid pardon last week.

"We understand he wanted to get back to the UK without media attention and to see his family.

"We supported him and were in contact with them."

An Eid pardon in Muslim countries can be given to inmates by the monarch or president as a gesture of compassion and a way to offer individuals a second chance during religious holidays.

Mr Fakana was with his parents in the UAE from the end of August last year when a "holiday romance blossomed", with another Londoner, who has since turned 18, the campaign group previously said.

The girl's mother reported Fakana to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the UK.

Mr Fakana recently wrote to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, from Al Awir Prison asking to be released.

Detained in Dubai's chief executive, Radha Stirling, said Mr Fakana "is currently recovering".

She added: "His case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing.

"We believe this case highlights the urgent need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals and safeguards against unnecessary custodial sentences."

"Parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behaviour that would not be considered criminal at home, whether that's a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol," Ms Stirling said.

The government of Dubai previously said: "Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mother - being the legal guardian - filed the complaint."

It added: "Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings."