An 18-year-old British man, Marcus Fakana from Tottenham, has been sentenced to one year in prison for a relationship with a 17-year-old British girl while on holiday in Dubai.
The pair, both Londoners, began a romantic relationship during their family vacations in September. However, upon their return to the UK, the girl’s mother discovered messages and photos detailing the relationship and reported it to the Dubai police.
Fakana was subsequently arrested at his hotel in Dubai.
The head of the campaign group Detained in Dubai criticised the situation as a “disgrace,” stating that Fakana feels abandoned by the British government since his arrest.
Fakana is expected to appeal the verdict.
