A representative for the family has hit out at the politician, who is also Marcus' local MP

Marcus Fakana's family left 'stunned' by foreign secretary David Lammy's statement

The 18-year-old is desperate for help after being handed a 12-month sentence earlier this month after being convicted following a holiday romance

by · The Mirror

The family of a British teenager sentenced to a year's jail over consensual sex with a girl of 17 have been left "stunned" by the Foreign Secretary's failure to help him, it has been claimed.

Marcus Fakana, 18, has asked David Lammy, who is also his local MP, for help in getting him home from Dubai, where he has spent the last four months since being arrested.

In an angry message posted on social media, Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling, who is representing his family, said: "Tottenham MP and Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has claimed in a Sky news interview that 'it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case except to say that of course as you would expect, his family have had all the full support available', but Marcus’s family know that’s not true.

Mr Lammy pictured on Monday( Image: JASON ALDEN/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

"If Marcus Fakana spends a single day in prison, it’s on David Lammy. Lammy claimed that he could only act as either MP or Foreign Secretary due to “a conflict” then chose to act as MP, essentially removing himself as Foreign Secretary.

"Marcus’s family were stunned that he refused to act as a Foreign Secretary for Marcus. If Marcus were from any other area in the UK, his MP would have lobbied Lammy to enter diplomatic conversations with his Dubai counterparts."

"It’s outrageous to remove himself from the case. He clearly did not want to help or have those conversations with the Dubai government. He is absolutely fine to see a young British tourist jailed for relations with someone who was one month away from being 18, simply saying you should follow the law."

Marcus has spent the last four months in Dubai since his arrest in August( Image: Getty Images)

Radha added: "David Lammy is absolutely able to diplomatically secure a non-custodial sentence for Marcus if he does his job as MP and Foreign Secretary. We and the Fakana family will lobby every constituent of Tottenham to make it well known he does not effectively represent them.

"We urge the British public to make their voices heard for Marcus and write to David Lammy expressing their concerns."

Sex between people under 18 is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Marcus had sex with the girl, also from London, during a family holiday in August. Her mum found out after discovering messages sent between the pair and reported him to the local police.

The construction apprentice was later arrested at his hotel and had expected a suspended sentence for the consensual act. But instead of allowing him to fly home, a judge ordered him to be locked up for a year in the notorious al-Awir prison.

Marcus faces 12 months inside Dubai's notorious Al-Awir central prison( Image: AFP via Getty Images)

He is now being forced to live "like a fugitive" in Dubai after being forced into in hiding, too scared to go out in public for fear he could be arrested and immediately hauled to jail. He is also said to be "freaking out" at the possibility prosecutors will apply for an increase on the one-year term.

Speaking about his sentence, Radha, who is in regular contact with him, said: "We have seen numerous unfair prosecutions over the past 17 years for ‘crimes’ like social media posts, sharing charities online, drinking alcohol provided onboard a flight, using a VPN or complaining about noise to a neighbour. This is no different, it's just as nonsensical to jail him.

"There is absolutely no need for a custodial sentence for Marcus. He should not lose his freedom for consensual sex with another British tourist, something that is completely legal in the UK. A fine and deportation as well as the past several months of stress and anxiety is damaging enough.”

Radha added: "We have contacted the opposition, including Reform UK, to express our disappointment at how the Labour party is handling Marcus’s life. We have recently worked with the Vice President Elect, JD Vance, who was able to get his constituents home in just two weeks over more serious charges.

Marcus had asked his lawyer to launch an immediate appeal, but is now waiting to lodge it after being told prosecutors may ask for his sentence to be increased( Image: PA)

"He genuinely cared and got the job done. Another client of ours has just received good news that he won’t get a custodial sentence for sending allegedly threatening emojis. Ireland got Tori Towey home in just one week while Canada got André Gauthier home despite him having around 70 separate charges against him.

Marcus is understood to be living in a rented flat while considering an appeal. His family has raised just over £40,000 to help cover accommodation costs and legal fees.

Radha said: "Marcus is very grateful for the support he’s received, for every single message, TikTok and social media post. He’s asking people to write to David Lammy and express their concerns over the lack of diplomatic intervention.

"The fact is, we see other countries helping their citizens and we’ve even see Jeremy Hunt threaten sanctions. It’s not that hard. Just ask JD Vance."

Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling is representing Marcus and his family

Marcus previously told the Mirror: "I’ve asked my lawyer to lodge an appeal and hope we can get an expedited hearing date. Every day here is difficult, especially with prison hanging over me.

"I never meant to break the law. It didn’t occur to me and for that I’m sorry. I am asking his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to please forgive me and pardon me."

Speaking about the fling, he has said: “We had a wonderful time. I couldn’t wait to see her again. Then police knocked on our hotel door."