A British teenager was sentenced to jail in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl and died in a car accident three months after he was released, a campaign team said.
Marcus Fakana, 19, died in the hospital early Friday as police tried to stop at Tottenham Hotspur in north London.
Metropolitan police said its police officers were trying to stop “the tool of interest” on Pretoria Road, and after a brief pursuit, the police could not see it for the time being.
The officer then drove to the passageway and found that the vehicle collided with another vehicle.
Fakana, 18, was awarded a royal pardon from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, after receiving a one-year prison sentence from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Radha Sterling, CEO of the campaign detained in Dubai, said she was “heartbroken” to share the news.
She told PA News: “Marcus spent most of his time in Dubai prison this year and undoubtedly endured his mental pain.
“It is regrettable that in all 2025, he will only be free from three months from July 3 to October 3.”
Starting at the end of August 2024, Fakana was with his parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he was detained in Dubai with another Londoner (18 years old afterwards).
The girl's mother allegedly reported the relationship to Dubai police after returning to the UK and seeing pictures and information, which later arrested Farcana at his hotel.
In Dubai, an adult can be prosecuted for sexual relations with a minor if he or she has sex with a person under the age of 18.
Metropolitan police said its officers provided “immediate first aid” at the scene before paramedics arrived.
“The passenger, a 19-year-old man, suffered significant injuries,” the unit said.
“He was taken to the hospital and died shortly after despite the best efforts of emergency services and medical staff. His next relative has been informed.
“The driver, a 19-year-old man, was arrested after a collision allegedly stopped and dangerous driving. He is still detained by police.”
Sterling added:[Fakana’s] Loss is a painful reminder of how precious life is and the unnecessary imprisonment and robbery of people they can never recover.
“Every day of freedom is important.”