British teenager who was jailed in Dubai over 'holiday romance' is killed in car crash after police chase just months after being set free

He was a passenger in a vehicle that failed to stop when being blue-lighted by the Metropolitan Police.

Officers, who were tailing the car, found it involved in a serious collision with another driver at The Roundway after they "temporarily lost sight of the vehicle".

Following first aid treatment at the scene and then later in the hospital, Mr Fakana was pronounced dead.

The driver, 19, who survived the crash, remains in police custody.

He was arrested on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving.

Mr Fakana's death came exactly three months after he was granted a royal pardon by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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Dozens of friends and family gathered at a home for a vigil to commemorate the Londoner.

The chief executive and founder of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, 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 July 3 until October 3.

"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."

Tributes have poured in online for the teenager following his tragic death.

In a post shared on Facebook, one said: "I fought for you to be released from prison in Dubai, I did my best and this is how it ended. My condolences to papa crispin and ya marie."

Another said: "God give Crispin and Marie strength, the pain is too much. Rip Marcus you left your mummy in pain baby."

A third commented: "I know some people might say it doesn't matter how he passed away, but all I know is that we all hoped and prayed for him to pull through, and then suddenly he was gone.

"Please, make it make sense. I'm confused. Too young to die. When I heard that sad news early on tonight. My heart just sung in pain, felt useless."

The teenager spent seven months in a Dubai prison after being sentenced to a year in jail for having sex with a 17-year-old British girl while they were on holiday.

Ms Stirling added: "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."

The campaign group said Fakana was on holiday with his parents in the United Arab Emirates when a "holiday romance blossomed" with the fellow Londoner.

The Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office said it had supported the then 18-year-old, who was "released on an Eid pardon".

Ms Stirling added: "I think the law saying that an 18-year-old can't engage in relations with someone who's just a few weeks younger than him is quite strict and perhaps shouldn't be applied to tourists.

"Furthermore, Fakana didn't know that she was under 18; they were in the same school year, and it seems fair and reasonable that he assumed her to be 18 as well.

"So I think again, under those circumstances, he shouldn't have been prosecuted."

The Government of Dubai previously said: "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."