Briton's 40‑year sentence in Dubai raises legal concerns
A 33-year-old Briton has been sentenced to 40 years in prison in Dubai for possession of cocaine. The man was detained during a police operation.
Sam Dorman, a 33-year-old from the United Kingdom, has been sentenced to 40 years in a Dubai prison for possession of cocaine. He was arrested during a police operation, during which half a gram of the drug was found on him.
As "The Sun" highlights, an additional 28 grams of cocaine was discovered in his home. In the United Arab Emirates, where there is zero tolerance for drugs, this constitutes a serious crime.
Dorman, who is a hairdresser and tattoo artist from England, was incarcerated in Al-Awir Central Prison, which is known for its harsh conditions and violence.
He's got a young daughter in the UK, so to be serving 40 years is really sad. He won't be out till he's in his 70s. The prison’s a hellhole and Sam’s family are understandably distraught. When they spoke to him, it looked like he’d taken a battering. I just hope someone can help him, said a family associate in an interview with "The Sun".
Dorman moved to Dubai in 2022 to start his own business. Unfortunately, according to a family associate, he fell in with the wrong crowd.
He got in with the wrong crowd. Sam apparently sold coke to a customer who was pulled over and arrested by police. They took his phone and messaged Sam pretending to be the buyer and asked for more. Sam stupidly went and the police were waiting. At this point he was nabbed, the report states.
British government's reaction
The British Foreign Office has confirmed that it is providing support to the British citizen detained in Dubai. Dorman's family was asked for comment, but so far has not provided any information.
