A BRITISH tourist has been jailed for having sex with a girl aged 17 on a holiday romance in Dubai, leaving his family distraught.
Marcus Fakana, 18, had expected a suspended sentence for the consensual act and to be allowed to fly home after being stranded in the Gulf city since his arrest in August.
But a judge sparked fury by locking him up for a year in the notorious al-Awir central prison.
Having sex with a person under 18 is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
But campaigners believe he has been harshly treated for having a fling with the girl, who is British-Indian.
Marcus is being supported by Detained in Dubai and will appeal.
This story is from the December 12, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the December 12, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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