Dubai trial date set for London teen facing 20 years for holiday romance

The 18-year-old Briton who had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai has had his trial date set. Marcus Fakana, 18, from Tottenham had a holiday romance with the girl when they were in the United Arab Emirates.

The relationship was kept a secret because of the girl's strict family. When the girl returned home her mother found the pictures and chats on her daughter's phone and reported the relationship to Dubai police.

Marcus was arrested as, under law in the UAE, the girl is legally classified as a minor. Marcus has been detained in Dubai since and is facing the possibility of 20 years in prison.

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While attempts to release him are being made and petitions sent to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Marcus's trial date has been set. He will stand trial on December 9, 2024.

Marcus's parents have returned to London whilst he remains in Dubai living in Airbnbs after making bail. He previously said: "I'm here all alone. I pray this nightmare will be over and I'll be home for Christmas."

Ms Stirling, the founder and chief executive of Detained in Dubai, which helps foreigners abroad and is an international authority on UAE law, called on Mr Lammy to intervene.

She said: "Mr Lammy MP was appointed as the Foreign Secretary in July 2024 and is in a perfect position to help young Marcus. Dubai police have the power to drop the case against Marcus and let him come home. This is not something we want to do to young people and we ask Mr Lammy MP to convey this message to his counterparts in the UAE."

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