04 October 2025 , 09:40
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A British teenager who was imprisoned in Dubai after having a ’holiday romance’ with a UK tourist has died in a horrific crash after the car failed to stop for police.
Marcus Fakana, 19, from Tottenham, north London, died shortly before 1am on Friday following a police chase lasting just 60 seconds.
The teenager is believed to have been a passenger in the vehicle involved in a "road traffic collision with another vehicle" after failing to stop when signaled by the Metropolitan Police.
His death comes just months after the teenager was released in Dubai after receiving a royal pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
While on holiday at a luxury resort, Marcus was accused of having sex with a girl who was one month away from turning 18, with the girl’s mother reporting the relationship to authorities upon her return to the UK.
In Dubai, sex with anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence.
On Saturday, officers said the force "temporarily lost sight of the vehicle" after pursuing it for around 60 seconds, before discovering it had been involved in a dramatic collision with another car at The Roundway.
Marcus was found seriously injured in the vehicle and received first aid treatment at the scene.
He died shortly after in hospital.
"Officers provided immediate first aid prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and London’s air ambulance," the Met said in a statement.
"The passenger, a man aged 19, had significant injuries.
’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 19-year-old driver was arrested following the collision on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving, the Met confirmed.
He remains in police custody.
Fakana’s case received widespread attention and spotlighted the UAE’s strict laws that criminalise sexual relationships with those under 18.
However, some critics have suggested the laws disproportionately target foreign nationals.
The campaign to free the teen was led by Detained in Dubai. LBC has contacted the charity for comment.
At the time of the teenager’s release, Detained in Dubai’s chief executive said in a statement: “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.”
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