A young British woman has been jailed for life in Dubai, her family revealed tonight.
Mia O’Brien, 23, hailing from Huyton, Liverpool, committed what her mother describes as ‘a very stupid mistake’. Her mother has made an emotional appeal on a fundraising platform seeking assistance with travel and legal expenses.
‘Mia has been given a life sentence over in Dubai and she is now in central prison,’ her mother Danielle McKenna, 46, wrote in the post.
‘As you can all probably imagine, as her mother I am absolutely devastated. I haven’t seen my daughter since last October.
According to her mother, ‘Mia is only 23 years old and has never done anything wrong in her life. She pursued law at university and, unfortunately, got involved with the wrong crowd, leading to a serious error in judgment, for which she is now facing consequences.
She expressed, ‘All I ask is if you could contribute whatever you can, even if it’s just £1, it would greatly aid us, and I would be eternally appreciative. Thank you so much.’
She later added: ‘I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has donated so far. This money will be sent to my daughter Mia and will also cover any potential legal costs. It might even help us travel to Dubai to visit her since none of us have seen Mia since last October. Thank you all immensely ❤️’
Danielle told the Daily Mail: ‘She’s going through it at the minute. She’s just been transferred to another prison after getting a life sentence.
Mia O’Brien, 23, from Huyton, Liverpool, committed what her mother describes as ‘a very stupid mistake’. Her mother has made an emotional appeal on a fundraising platform seeking assistance with travel and legal expenses.
It remains unclear what Ms. McKenna was convicted of, but in the Emirates, life sentences can be imposed for drug trafficking based on the details and quantity involved.
‘It’s been a massive shock.’
It’s not known what crime Ms McKenna has been convicted of, but life sentences in the Emirates can be given in cases of drug trafficking, depending on the circumstances and the amount of drugs.
Other crimes attracting life terms – which in Dubai is usually around 15 years – include serious violence and terrorism.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office starkly warns visitors to Dubai on its website: ‘There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences.
‘The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe.
‘Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum 3-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham (£4,000) and 100,000 UAE dirham (£20,000).
‘The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.
‘Some ‘herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE.
Ms O’Brien’s mother, Danielle McKenna (right) is appealing for help and launched a fundraising page in her daughter’s name
Other crimes attracting life terms – which in Dubai is usually around 15 years – include serious violence and terrorism
‘Possessing, concealing or making transactions with money from drugs-related offences is illegal. You could get a prison sentence and a fine.
‘UAE airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You can be arrested for carrying drugs, even residual amounts.’
An FCDO Spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.’
The fundraising page, with a target of £1,600, had raised just short of £700.
