By Hannah Ahmed
A British teenager imprisoned in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl has been released and allowed back to the UK. Marcus Fakana, 19, was sentenced to a year in prison in December, after admitting to a consensual relationship with another British teen, a girl of 17, while on holiday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, the age of consent is 18, with legal regulations in the country stipulating this applies to both sexual activity and marriage. The laws laid out also outline any sexual activity outside of marriage is classed as an illegal offence in the UAE. READ MORE: Foreign Office issues urgent Dubai and Doha travel warning for UK tourists Mr Fakana was pardoned in Dubai by royal ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, campaign group, Detained in Dubai has said, the BBC reported. He was released as part of an ” Eid pardon,” according to a Foreign Office spokesperson, who said he wished to resume life in the UK “without media attention.” They said: “He was released on an Eid pardon last week. “We understand he wanted to get back to the UK without media attention and to see his family. “We supported him and were in contact with them.” An Eid pardon can be carried out by either the monarch or the president as a way to show compassion, and offer inmates a second chance during religious periods. The 19-year-old became incarcerated following a relationship with the British girl in the UAE, when a “holiday romance blossomed,” the campaign group has said previously. It has been reported the girl has since turned 18, with her mother responsible for reporting Mr Fakana to the UAE authorities after witnessing messages between the two teenagers once she had got back to the UK, it is alleged. The teenager from Tottenham handed himself over to authorities in Dubai, after being issued a one year prison term. Mr Fakana reportedly pleaded with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, in a letter to be released from Al Awir Prison. Detained in Dubai’s chief executive, Radha Stirling, said the 19-year-old is “currently recovering,” adding: “his case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing. READ MORE: UK Foreign Office issues urgent warning for Brits travelling to Dubai “We believe this case highlights the urgent need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals and safeguards against unnecessary custodial sentences.” “Parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behaviour that would not be considered criminal at home, whether that’s a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol.” The government of Dubai previously addressed the case, stating: “Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mother – being the legal guardian – filed the complaint.” “Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.”