After being arrested on suspicion of drug offences in Dubai, 25-year-old Antonia Bettridge could face life in prison.
Bettridge, originally from St Helens, Britain, moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in 2023. She initially moved there to work as a sports coach before transitioning into real estate while also training to become a personal trainer. But things took an unexpected turn when she was arrested on suspicion of drug possession.
According to the Liverpool Echo, legal advisors from Detained in Dubai have stated that the 25-year-old was detained under the United Arab Emirates’ drug laws on suspicion of “possession of narcotics with intent to promote.”
“She doesn’t live a party lifestyle”
If she is found guilty, the consequences could include a fine of up to AED 200,000 and a life sentence. Authorities in Dubai do not necessarily require evidence of intent to promote or sell, according to a statement from Detained in Dubai. Bettridge’s family says they are devastated, and according to her mother, she is not typically a “party girl.”
“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,” her mother, who has not been publicly named, says according to Echo.
“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.”
Regional instability
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, says the ongoing situation and regional conflict in the Middle East has heightened anxiety for families with relatives detained in the UAE.
“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,” she says.
“We hope the FCDO supports her application for bail pending any trial at the very least.”
READ MORE
- Terminally ill man enjoys final visit with German sherperds and shares his dying wish
- Dad of Georgia school shooter found guilty after son kid 4 people
