A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai after having sex with a UK tourist has been killed in a car crash – just months after being set free following a royal pardon.
Marcus Fakana, 19, died in Tottenham, north London, at around 1am on Friday after a car he was a passenger in failed to stop when being blue-lighted by the Metropolitan Police.
Officers say they ‘temporarily lost sight of the vehicle’ after tailing it for around 60 seconds, before discovering its involvement in a huge smash with another car at The Roundway.
Marcus was left seriously injured as a result of the crash and received first aid treatment at the scene, but he died shortly after being rushed to hospital.
The driver, a man also aged 19, was arrested after the crash on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
Marcus (left) is pictured with his family who battled for his release from Dubai – he had been home with them for three months before his death
Marcus’s death came exactly three months after he was released from prison in the Gulf state, thanks to a pardon from Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
He was arrested and sentenced to one year in a maximum-security prison last year over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just a few months younger than himself – a fact he was not aware of at the time.
The girl was one month away from turning 18, but sex with anyone under the age of 18 is an offence in Dubai. They met when both their families were staying at a luxury hotel.
The girl’s mother reported Marcus – who was aged 18 at the time – to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the UK.
In a devastating vigil for the young boy, dozens of friends and family gathered at a home were seen sobbing, as many also put their heads down to commemorate their loved one.
His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE’s harsh laws that criminalise personal relationships which critics say disproportionately target foreign nationals.
Radha Stirling, Founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, who helped Marcus, told the Daily Mail: ‘I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Marcus Fakana.
‘I came to know Marcus as he faced one of the most frightening experiences of his life, and I witnessed his strength and courage throughout.
‘He was grateful for the compassion shown to him by the British public, and his experiences gave him a renewed focus on Christianity and prayer.
‘Marcus was thankful to have regained his freedom and was looking forward to building a positive future. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.’
She added: ‘Marcus spent the majority of this year in a Dubai prison which no doubt caused him long lasting mental anguish. It’s sad that of all of 2025, he was only free for the three months from the 3rd of July until the 3rd of October.
‘It wasn’t necessary for him to be in prison at all. He could have been deported instead. David Lammy and the FCDO caused Marcus and his family no end of grief, refusing to effectively help him as the Foreign Minister.
‘It’s sad that he had to go through this in what would be the last months of his life.’
Raphaella Stirling, Detained in Dubai’s Crisis Manager, added: ‘Marcus had only been released from prison earlier this year.
‘Despite everything he endured, he was grateful for the kindness of the British public, and he embraced his freedom with renewed faith, joy, and hope for the future.’
