An 18-year-old Briton who had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai while on holiday with their families has been sentenced to one year in prison, according to a campaign group.
Marcus Fakana from Tottenham began his secret relationship with the girl in September. She has since turned 18. After returning home and seeing photos and messages, the girl’s mother reported their relationship to Dubai police, leading to Fakana’s arrest at his hotel. In Dubai, engaging in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18 is illegal.
The organization Detained in Dubai called the ruling an “utter disgrace” and stated that Fakana would be appealing the “unreasonable” sentence.
Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, said that Fakana, who has been unable to leave the country since September, is “desperately hoping” to return home this week. The family has made a plea to the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, to spare Marcus for consensual sexual relations with another British citizen. Stirling added that the teenager would be deported following the completion of his sentence.
