Mental health of Brit, 18, jailed in Dubai 'rapidly declining' after holiday romance 'nightmare'

Marcus Fakana, 18, from Tottenham, is suffering with his mental health after being locked up in Dubai for sleeping with a girl he meet on holiday. His family described the ordeal as a 'nightmare'

The family of a British teen who has been jailed in Dubai over a holiday romance say his mental health is "deteriorating rapidly."

Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, was held in the country's "notorious" Al Barsha Police Station for days. The 18-year-old, who was vacationing with his family for his father's birthday, met a fellow holidaymaker from the UK, who was staying at the same hotel.

The girl, who was 17 at the time, would sneak out to meet him because she was worried about the repercussions from her mother. But after she had returned home, her mother alerted the authorities in Dubai and told them they had sex.

Now, Marcus could face two decades inside a frightening UAE prison after the "strict" parent went through her daughter's phone. Despite their relationship being legal in the UK, a 17-year-old is classed as a child under Dubai law. She has since turned 18.

The couple had a "wonderful time together" and had planned to see each other when Marcus arrived back in the UK. His family set up a GoFundMe page and said: "What was meant to be a happy time has turned into a nightmare for him, our family, and our friends. This has happened as a result of someone trying to misuse UAE law against him. He is being charged with a crime that could lead to imprisonment for up to 20 years."

Marcus is still trapped abroad as he tries to fight his case, seeking advice from the British-based aid organisation, Detained in Dubai. However, his family still need to raise £20,000 to help support his legal fees, accommodation and travel costs to return to London. Sadly, the lawyer's fees alone could cost up to £21,000.

In a previous GoFundMe page set up two months ago, the family said: "He has been wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit, and is now caught in a legal battle in Dubai. This is not just a misunderstanding, it is racial discrimination, with someone seeking to use the UAE law against him.

"While detained he was denied access to a translator and forced to sign a confession document he didn't understand. He is only 18 years old, terrified, and very scared. His mental health is deteriorating rapidly." Marcus told Detained in Dubai that he was excited to see the girl again.

He said: "We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict. My parents knew about our relationship but she couldn't tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy.

"When she left, I couldn't wait to see her again when I got home. Then suddenly, police knocked on our hotel door. My mother is a cleaner and my dad works in a warehouse. They saved up for this one-off holiday and they have now used all of their savings,' Marcus explained. The police demanded 10,000 AED for bail which I've been told is not normal and the costs are mounting. I'm here all alone. I pray this nightmare will be over and I'll be home for Christmas."

To donate to the GoFundMe visit here.