A British teenager who made headlines after being jailed in Dubai over a consensual relationship with another UK tourist has died in a car crash in north London, just months after his release.
Marcus Fakana, 19, suffered fatal injuries in a collision that occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Friday, October 3. According to the Metropolitan Police, officers on patrol had attempted to stop a “vehicle of interest” on Pretoria Road, Edmonton. After a brief pursuit lasting about 60 seconds, police temporarily lost sight of the car.
Moments later, officers discovered that the vehicle had crashed into another car on The Roundway, Tottenham. Fakana, who was a passenger, sustained serious injuries and was given first aid before paramedics and an air ambulance arrived. Despite efforts by emergency and medical teams, he was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later. His family has been informed.
The 19-year-old driver survived the crash and was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and dangerous driving. He remains in custody.
Fakana’s story drew international attention last year when he was sentenced to one year in a Dubai maximum-security prison after having consensual sex with a fellow British tourist who was just a few months younger. The girl was 17 at the time, while Fakana had recently turned 18—making their relationship illegal under UAE law, which prohibits sex outside marriage and with anyone under 18.
The pair met while vacationing with their families at a luxury Dubai hotel. Fakana was granted a royal pardon in July this year by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and returned to the UK.
Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai—who had supported Fakana and his family throughout his ordeal—confirmed his death on X (formerly Twitter).
“We are heartbroken to share that our client and friend, Marcus Fakana, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Tottenham after his release from Dubai jail,” she wrote. “His loss is a painful reminder of how precious life is and how unnecessary imprisonment robs people of time they can never regain. Every day of freedom matters.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stirling added, “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 looking forward to a positive future.”
Tributes have since poured in on social media, with friends and supporters mourning the loss of a young man whose life had only just begun to rebuild.
Source:Africa Publicity
