Man charged over crash death of British teen jailed in Dubai for 'holiday fling'

Marcus Fakana, 19, of Tottenham, north London, died shortly before 1am on Friday following a police pursuit lasting just 60 seconds.

On Saturday, police confirmed that the 19-year-old driver has now been charged in connection with a crash.

Mr Fakana was confirmed as a passenger in a vehicle that failed to stop for police before being involved in a "road traffic collision with another vehicle," the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

His death comes just months after the teenager was freed in Dubai after receiving a royal pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Mr Fakana was on holiday at a luxury resort when he was accused of having a sexual relationship with a girl who was one month away from turning 18.

The girl's mother is believed to have reported the relationship to authorities following her return to the UK.

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In Dubai, sex with anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 19-year-old Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, died in hospital in the early hours of Friday.

The force said its officers were attempting to stop a “vehicle of interest” in Pretoria Road, and after a short pursuit police temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.

“His next of kin are aware and continue to be supported by specialist officers," the Met confirmed.

"They wish for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“The driver was arrested close to the scene of the collision has since been charged with multiple offences.”

On Saturday, officers said the force "temporarily lost sight of the vehicle" after pursuing it for around 60 seconds, before spotting the vehicle had been involved in a dramatic smash with another car at The Roundway.

Marcus was found seriously injured in the vehicle and received first aid treatment at the scene.

He died shortly after in hospital.

"Officers provided immediate first aid prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and London’s air ambulance," the Met said in a statement.

"The passenger, a man aged 19, had significant injuries.

'He was taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of emergency services and medical staff, he died a short time later. His next of kin have been informed."

The 19-year-old driver was arrested following the collision on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving, the Met confirmed.

He remains in police custody.

Fakana's case garnered widespread attention and spotlighted the UAE's harsh laws that criminalise sexual relationships with those under 18.

However, some critics have suggested the laws disproportionately target foreign nationals.

The campaign to free the teen was spearheaded by Detained in Dubai. LBC has contacted the charity for comment.

At the time of the teenager's release, Detained in Dubai's chief executive said in a statement: “His case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing.

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