A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl has been killed in a car crash just three months after regaining his freedom.
Marcus Fakana, 19, died yesterday in a collision in Tottenham, north London, where he had returned to following his royal pardon on July 3.
Radha Stirling, CEO of campaign group Detained in Dubai which helped secure his release, said: ‘He’d shown strength and courage, and he was excited and optimistic about his future.’
She added: ‘It is devastating that Marcus’s journey has been cut short so soon after he began to rebuild his life.’
Marcus had been with his parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the end of August when a ‘holiday romance blossomed’ with another Londoner, who has since turned 18.
After returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl’s mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who then arrested Mr Fakana at his hotel, it was alleged.
In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18, they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor.
The teenager’s family spoke of their relief when he was freed.
They wrote on Instagram: ‘We are grateful to share that Marcus is now home safe with us.
‘This has been an incredibly difficult time, and we thank everyone who supported us through it.
‘We kindly ask for privacy as Marcus rests and begins to heal.
‘Our son is home.’
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Ms Stirling said: ‘I remember speaking with Marcus as he bravely turned himself in to face an unfair prison sentence.
‘He was surprisingly calm, trusting that we would continue to fight for him. Thankfully, we were able to keep that promise and see him walk free.
‘Regaining his freedom brought Marcus joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. He embraced life again with optimism, a deepened commitment to his Christian faith, and excitement for the future.
‘Marcus’s passing is also a reminder of how precious and irreplaceable life is.’
Metro has contacted the Metropolitan Police for more information.
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