British teenager begins one-year jail sentence in Dubai for relationship with 17-year-old

A British teenager, Marcus Fakana, has begun a one-year jail sentence in Dubai for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. The relationship was reported to police by the girl's mother after they returned to the UK. Fakana, 18, was arrested at his hotel in Dubai after the girl's mother saw pictures and chats. He was on holiday with his parents when the relationship occurred. A campaign group is advocating for a pardon from Dubai's ruler. The UK government is providing support but cannot interfere in Dubai's legal system. A petition for stronger government support has gained over 40,000 signatures, and a fundraiser for Fakana has raised more than £35,000.