British teen jailed in Dubai over relationship dies in crash months after release
A British teenager who served time in Dubai for having a relationship with a 17-year-old girl has died in a car crash just three months after his release.
Marcus Fakana, 19, was killed in a collision in Tottenham, north London, after returning to the UK following his royal pardon on July 3.
Radha Stirling, CEO of campaign group Detained in Dubai, which helped secure his freedom, said: “He’d shown strength and courage, and he was excited and optimistic about his future.”
She added: “It is devastating that Marcus’s journey has been cut short so soon after he began to rebuild his life.”
Marcus had been in the United Arab Emirates with his parents when he began a “holiday romance” with another Londoner, who has since turned 18.
After the girl’s mother discovered messages and photos, she reported the matter to Dubai police, who arrested Marcus at his hotel. Under UAE law, adults can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with anyone under 18.
His family had celebrated his return home, writing on Instagram: “We are grateful to share that Marcus is now home safe with us.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time, and we thank everyone who supported us through it.
“We kindly ask for privacy as Marcus rests and begins to heal.
“Our son is home.”
Marcus died in hospital in the early hours of Friday — exactly three months after receiving his pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
According to the Metropolitan Police, officers attempted to stop a “vehicle of interest” at around 12.52 a.m. in Tottenham but lost sight of it shortly before discovering it had crashed with another vehicle on The Roundway.
“The passenger, a man aged 19, had significant injuries,” police said. “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 driver, a man also aged 19, was arrested after the collision on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.”
Ms Stirling said: “I remember speaking with Marcus as he bravely turned himself in to face an unfair prison sentence.
“He was surprisingly calm, trusting that we would continue to fight for him. Thankfully, we were able to keep that promise and see him walk free.
“Regaining his freedom brought Marcus joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“He embraced life again with optimism, a deepened commitment to his Christian faith, and excitement for the future.
“Marcus’s passing is also a reminder of how precious and irreplaceable life is.”
Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, 19, of Tottenham, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to stop. He is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 4.
The Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have both been notified.
