A British TikTok influencer has been charged with murder in Dubai and could face the death penalty by firing squad if convicted, according to campaign group Detained in Dubai.

Brooke George, 23, from Gravesend, Kent, is accused of fatally stabbing a British man with a kitchen knife after the pair met on Facebook. According to Detained in Dubai, George says she acted in self-defence after being attacked.

George is being held at Bur Dubai jail after she was arrested in the early hours of June 22. She was detained at Dubai International Airport as she attempted to return to the UK following the incident.

Family says she was trying to leave Dubai

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said: “She reached for a knife after being attacked. Authorities must treat her as a domestic violence survivor while they investigate.”

She added: “The former John Lewis worker is defending a murder charge in the UAE after an altercation with British man she met on Facebook. Her world has been shattered and her family left in tears.”

George's family say she contacted them in a state of panic after being physically assaulted. They say she arranged a flight home and returned to the apartment to collect her passport before she was attacked again.

Her mother, Thereza George, said in a statement released by Detained in Dubai: “After Brooke returned to Dubai for the second time, the dynamic between them had clearly changed.

“The day before the incident, she did not seem like herself. She was quieter and not her usual happy, cheerful self, but she did not tell me why. That evening they went to a bar in Dubai.

"When I spoke to Brooke right after the incident, she was absolutely terrified. I have never seen my daughter so frightened in my life. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see that one of her eyes was badly swollen and was beginning to close.

“As Brooke's mother, I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.”

Campaign group calls for bail

Stirling said: “Brooke maintains that she acted only after being subjected to a violent assault and in genuine fear for her safety. We will be working to ensure that her rights are protected, that she receives a fair trial, and that the circumstances leading to this tragedy are fully and impartially examined.

“Over recent years, there have been increasing reports of women, including social media influencers, models and young travellers, being lured to Dubai with promises of luxury lifestyles, paid work, holidays or romantic relationships, only to later allege that they were subjected to forced attendance at porta-potty parties, sexual exploitation, coercion, violence or other degrading treatment.

Brooke George has been accused of fatally stabbing a man. Credit: Instagram / Brooke George

“Those closest to Brooke became increasingly concerned that she may have been lured to Dubai under false pretences for the purpose of exploitation.

“Their concerns were fuelled by his unexplained change in behaviour, the one way ticket, the bikini clad professional photo shoot arranged during her first visit, the alleged withholding of her passport, Brooke telling friends that 'things weren't right', and her growing fear that she needed to escape.

"Brooke reported seeing disturbing videos on his computer and being assaulted by him before the fatal incident.

“Given these allegations, we urge the UAE authorities to preserve and forensically examine all electronic devices, computers, mobile phones, online accounts and digital communications connected with the deceased and any associates, to determine whether Brooke was targeted for exploitation and whether others may also have been victims.

“We are calling for Brooke to be released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Multiple witnesses observed visible injuries immediately after the incident. Rather than treating Brooke solely as a murder suspect, investigators must also examine her being the victim of serious violence and possible exploitation. She should be afforded protection, appropriate medical care, legal representation and immediate British consular assistance while the investigation proceeds.”

Featured image credit: Instagram / Brooke George

A British woman from Liverpool could face the possibility of life in prison after being arrested in Dubai on suspicion of drug-related offences.

According to the Liverpool Echo, 25-year-old Antonia Bettridge relocated to Dubai in November 2023, where she had been working as a sports coach and personal trainer.

Her arrest has raised concern among family members and legal advocates, particularly as strict drug laws in the United Arab Emirates can carry severe penalties.

Legal representatives from the organisation Detained In Dubai, which supports individuals facing legal issues in the country, say Bettridge has been arrested on suspicion of “possession of narcotics with intent to promote.” Under Dubai law, the charge can lead to heavy financial penalties and potentially a life sentence.

Family says they are ‘worried sick’ as woman remains detained

Bettridge’s mother has spoken publicly about the situation, describing the emotional strain the family is facing as they wait for updates about their daughter, per The Mirror.

"Antonia’s whole life revolves around fitness and healthy living," her mum said.

"She doesn’t live a party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to build something positive for herself. We are devastated and just want clarity about what has happened."

The family says the situation has become even more distressing due to ongoing tensions in the region, which have made communication more difficult.

"With everything happening in the region at the moment, it is incredibly frightening knowing our daughter is in detention and we cannot reach her.

"We are worried sick. We just want her to be safe and to have the opportunity to prepare her defence properly."

Detained In Dubai has also pointed out that authorities in the UAE do not necessarily require proof that someone intended to sell or distribute drugs in order to pursue charges related to promotion.

Antonia Bettridge could face life in prison. Credit: Facebook

Legal experts call for bail as regional tensions grow

Radha Stirling, head of Detained In Dubai, highlighted how current regional instability is increasing anxiety for families whose loved ones are already in detention.

Stirling said: "When there is regional instability or security incidents, families naturally become even more concerned about loved ones who are already in a vulnerable situation."

The concerns come at a time when tensions in the region have escalated. The Khaleej Times reports that Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on the UAE, resulting in three deaths and 94 injuries.

Airports including Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Airport and Dubai International Airport have been targeted during missile and drone strikes, which have disrupted flights.

In response, the UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals in the UAE to remain indoors and avoid standing near windows.

Stirling also called for authorities to consider allowing Bettridge to prepare her case while outside of detention.

Stirling said: "It reinforces why allowing defendants to prepare their cases from outside detention, where appropriate, is so important.

"We hope the FCDO supports her application for bail pending any trial at the very least."

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office confirmed officials are aware of the situation.

"We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities."

Antonia Bettridge was arrested in Dubai. Credit: Dblight / Getty

Previous court case in the UK revealed by Liverpool Echo

The Liverpool Echo also reported that Bettridge had previously appeared before Liverpool Crown Court in September 2023.

During that case, she was convicted of possessing criminal property after police discovered £8,000 in the glove box of her vehicle.

Officers had originally pulled her over in 2021, during which she claimed she was not carrying any money. However, police later found £610 inside her handbag along with thousands of pounds stored in her car.

Investigators later discovered she had driven around 170 miles from her then home in Dentons Green to a service station near Bristol before beginning the return journey.

After admitting the offence of possessing criminal property, Bettridge was handed a 12-month community order. The sentence included 75 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to pay £1,200 in court costs.

Featured image credit: Facebook

A 23-year-old British student - who was given a life sentence and a £100,000 fine in Dubai after a "stupid mistake" - has shared an update.

Mia O’Brien was allegedly caught with 50 grams of cocaine during a trip to the Middle East in October. She pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a judge after a day-long hearing on July 25.

Her mother, Danielle McKenna, says the “trial was all in Arabic,” and that Mia is now being held at Dubai’s Central Prison.

Mia, from Huyton, had been studying law in Liverpool and hoped to become a lawyer or solicitor. Speaking to Mail Online, Danielle said, "Mia feels she has destroyed her life as she wanted to be a lawyer or solicitor. I speak to her but she can't say too much on the phone. She's just made a stupid mistake after going over to see a friend and her boyfriend in Dubai."

Danielle, 46, says Mia is not a drug taker and has never been in trouble before, and she does not believe her daughter intended to sell the drugs or take them home.

Mia is being held in Dubai’s Central Prison, which is widely referenced for overcrowding, violence, and squalid conditions. According to the account shared by her family, inmates face a lack of privacy, with cells designed for three or four packed with far more, and some prisoners sharing beds.

Danielle said, "She is absolutely devastated by what has happened. Mia is being really strong but I know she is going through a living hell. The prison conditions are horrendous. There are no staff really and she has to bang on a big door if she needs anything.

"She's seen fights and said she has been really scared. Mia said she has to sleep on a mattress on the floor and shares the cell with six others. But she's not been ill - she has just come out in a few rashes."

Mia has not paid the £100,000 fine, and an appeal is expected within the coming weeks, her family says.

Danielle shared hopes her daughter could be transferred back to the UK in future, saying, "She said she hopes that she might get sent back to serve her sentence here after Ramadan when they might do clemency deals. But she is devastated by what has happened. We we were all shocked by the sentence she was given.

"But Mia is being really brave about it but she really misses her two young brothers who are aged just five and seven. She just wants to come home. I want her home too - she's my only daughter. I was so shocked when she told me what had happened - I would never had thought it in a million years. She can't wait to come home. She said the prison can be scary but she's just trying to keep her head down."

A GoFundMe launched by Danielle to help with legal fees and travel has been removed by the platform.

A company spokesperson said, "It was removed because it violates Term 9 of the Prohibited Conduct section in our Terms of Service. Term 9 prohibits raising funds on GoFundMe for the legal defence of certain alleged crimes."

Despite the setback, Danielle thanked supporters and explained how funds would help, writing: "Mia has been given a life sentence over in Dubai and she is now in central prison," and later adding, "Mia has been given a life sentence over in Dubai and she is now in central prison. As you can all probably imagine, as her mother I am absolutely devastated. I haven't seen my daughter since last October. Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life."

She continued, "I just want to thank everyone for their donations so far, this money will be used to send to my daughter Mia, and also for any legal fees that may arise, and maybe even to go towards getting family over to Dubai to see her, as none of us have seen Mia since last October, so thank you all so much."

Loved ones say their priority is to get Mia home and fight what they describe as a “miscarriage of justice.” For now, Mia remains in Dubai’s Central Prison, awaiting the appeal process and hoping for a route back to the UK.

Featured image credit: Naufal MQ / Getty

A British woman has been sentenced to life in prison in Dubai after what her family describes as a “very stupid mistake.”

Mia O’Brien, 23, from Huyton in Liverpool, is being held in Dubai’s Central Prison following her conviction earlier this year.

Her mother, Danielle McKenna, has spoken publicly about her devastation and the conditions her daughter now faces.

In a now-deleted GoFundMe, Danielle said: "I haven't seen my daughter since last October. Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life.

"This is a young girl, who went to university to do law, and unfortunately got mixed up in the wrong so-called friends and made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price."

The family initially launched the fundraiser to help cover Mia’s legal fees and travel costs to visit her in the UAE, but the page was later taken down.

Before it was removed, Danielle wrote: "I just want to thank everyone for their donations so far, this money will be used to send to my daughter Mia, and also for any legal fees that may arise, and maybe even to go towards getting family over to Dubai to see her, as none of us have seen Mia since last October, so thank you all so much."

The fundraiser was taken down, having raised £700, The Sun reports.

A spokesperson for GoFundMe told the outlet that "it was removed because it violates Term 9 of the Prohibited Conduct section in our Terms of Service."

"Term 9 prohibits raising funds on GoFundMe for the legal defence of certain alleged crimes," they explained.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Danielle added: "She's just been transferred to another prison after getting a life sentence. It's been a massive shock." She also described her daughter as “going through it” behind bars.

In the UAE, a life sentence for a non-Emirati citizen generally means 25 years in prison, followed by deportation. While Mia’s family has not publicly confirmed the exact charges she was convicted of, life sentences in Dubai are typically handed down for crimes such as drug trafficking and possession, human trafficking, murder or attempted murder, and terrorism-related offenses.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has repeatedly warned British nationals about strict laws in the UAE, particularly regarding drug-related offenses. It states that authorities “count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.”

The guidance also cautions: "The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty."

For now, Mia remains in prison as her family continues to push for support and look for options to bring her back to the UK.

Featured image credit: Facebook

There is a new update in the case of the 23‑year‑old British law student who was sentenced to life imprisonment in Dubai after being found with 50 grams of cocaine.

Mia O’Brien, from Huyton in Merseyside, was convicted on July 25, after a one‑day trial conducted in Arabic, according to her mother, Danielle McKenna. Her mother claims Mia pleaded not guilty but was sentenced to life behind bars and fined £100,000. 

She is now held in Dubai’s Central Prison, which is well known for extreme overcrowding and harsh conditions. 

Mia had been studying law at the University of Liverpool and hoped to qualify as a solicitor or lawyer before her arrest, her mother says. Danielle insists Mia never used drugs before and had no intent to traffic them. 

Prison conditions and life behind bars

According to Danielle, Mia is sharing a small cell with six others and has to sleep on a mattress on the floor. 

She says there is minimal supervision by staff, and Mia must bang on a large door if she needs assistance. 

Danielle also reports Mia has witnessed fights and is frightened. 

 She believes her daughter is trying to stay strong, but the strain is immense. 

Mia has said she is not seriously ill, though she has developed rashes, according to her mother. 

 The prison system in Dubai has faced accusations from human rights organisations regarding violence and poor treatment of inmates. 

An appeal is expected to be lodged in the coming weeks. 

Danielle is hoping that Mia might eventually be permitted to serve her sentence in the UK, possibly via transfer or clemency after Ramadan. 

The latest update

Danielle had previously set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal fees and travel costs. The fundraiser was later removed for violating GoFundMe’s terms regarding legal defence campaigns. 

She publicly thanked those who tried to help and started exploring other routes to raise funds. 

In a new update, Danielle has since set up a new page on the Christian fundraising site GiveSendGo, which has raised £420 at the time of writing.

She wrote in the description of the fundraiser: "As everyone knows by now, Mia has been given a life sentence in Dubai, and is now in central prison.

"I am asking for your help, so that family can get over to Dubai to visit Mia, as we haven’t seen her since last October, and it would also really help with any other fees that we may face a long the way. Even if it’s only a £1 it could help us massively. Thank you so much."

For now, Mia remains in custody, holding on to hope that justice may yet prevail and that she might one day return home.

Featured image credit: Facebook