An 18-year-old has been freed after spending seven months in a Dubai prison.

Marcus Fakana from Tottenham in North London, was sentenced to a year in prison after having sex with a 17-year-old British girl while they were on holiday.

Fakana has since been released after receiving a royal pardon from Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, campaign group Detained said.

The chief executive of the group, Radha Stirling, said Fakana "is currently recovering" following his release.

Fakana has been released through a royal pardon

Stirling said: "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."

The campaign group said Fakana was on holiday with his parents in the United Arab Emirates when a "holiday romance blossomed" with the fellow Londoner.

The Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office said it had supported Fakana, who was "released on an Eid pardon last week".

Stirling added: "I think the law saying that an 18-year-old can't engage in relations with someone who's just a few weeks younger than him is quite strict and perhaps shouldn't be applied to tourists.

"Furthermore, Fakana didn't know that she was under 18; they were in the same school year, and it seems fair and reasonable that he assumed her to be 18 as well. So I think again, under those circumstances, he shouldn't have been prosecuted."

Fakana wrote to the Sheikh last month from Al Awir Prison, requesting his release.

The Government of Dubai previously said: "Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mother, being the legal guardian, filed the complaint.

Fakana was arrested in Dubai after having sexual relations with a 17-year-old

"Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings."

Following Fakana's release, Stirling warned parents that they "need to be aware that crimes can be charged in the UAE for behaviour that would not be considered criminal at home".

She added: "Whether that's a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol."