Marcus Fakana seen for first time as he reunites with family after Dubai ordeal

Marcus Fakana has been seen for the first time since returning to London following his return from a hellhole prison in Dubai.

The teen, of Tottenham, north London, has been pictured for the first time following his near year-long ordeal in the Middle East. The 19-year-old was sentenced to one year behind barsafter forming a relationship with a holiday flame, who was aged 17 at the time. The apprentice bricklayer has arrived back safely in the UK after he received a royal pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Advocate group Detained in Dubai, who have been supporting his family throughout the case, said he is "currently recovering". Chief executive, Radha Stirling, said in a statement: “His case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing.

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

We believe this case highlights the urgent need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals and safeguards against unnecessary custodial sentences.”

Marcus was 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, the campaign group previously said. After returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl’s mother reported the relationshipto Dubai police, who then arrested Marcus at his hotel, it is 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.

Marcus had earlier told Detained in Dubai: "We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her familybecause 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."

His parents previously said in aGoFundMe: "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."