A Brit woman is facing life in prison over drug charges after being detained in Dubai as he mum has been left “worried sick” after conflict broke out in the Middle East.
Antonia Bettridge, from St Helens, moved to Dubai in November 2023, according to legal advisors Detained in Dubai (DID), where she worked as a sports coach before moving into real estate and training to become a personal trainer.
It is unclear when the 25-year-old was detained, although it is thought to have been at the beginning of last month. Her legal advisors are now stating she has been detained under the United Arab Emirates’ drug laws under suspicion of “possession of narcotics with intent to promote”. This can lead to a AED 200,000 fine and life in prison if she is found guilty.
In a statement from DID, it states authorities in Dubai do not need evidence of intention to promote or sell, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Antonia’s mum, who has not been publicly named, said: “Antonia’s whole life revolves around fitness and healthy living. 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.”
She continued: “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.”
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who has been supporting the family, said the broader situation surrounding regional conflict in the Middle East has heightened anxiety for families with relatives detained in the UAE.
She 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. 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.”
Antonia has previously appeared in Liverpool Crown Court in September 2023 where she was convicted for being in possession of criminal property after police officers discovered £8,000 in her glove box.
The then-21-year-old was pulled over after leaving the M62 at junction nine for Winwick, Warrington, on December 22, 2021.
She explained to the officers how she had no money on her but when PCs checked her handbag, they found £610 and then the subsequent cash in her car.
The personal trainer walked free from court after admitting possessing criminal property. She was handed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 30 days and 75 hours of unpaid work, as well as being told to pay £1,200 in court costs.
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