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Brit woman, 25, faces life in Dubai jail as 'devastated' mom speaks out
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.
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."
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.