British Law Student Mia O’Brien Jailed for 25 Years in Dubai

Mia O’Brien, a 23-year-old law student from Liverpool, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in Dubai after being convicted of drug charges. Her mother, Danielle McKenna, says Mia pleaded not guilty but was still convicted following a one-day hearing conducted in Arabic.

Arrest and Trial

O’Brien was arrested last October after police allegedly discovered 50 grams of cocaine in an apartment. According to her mother, Mia insists she did not receive a fair trial and only learned of her sentence later through her lawyer.

Family’s Anguish

“She is absolutely devastated,” Danielle told the Daily Mail. “Mia feels she has destroyed her life as she wanted to be a lawyer or solicitor.”

Her mother described the conditions inside Dubai Central Prison as “horrendous”, with Mia sleeping on a mattress on the floor, sharing with six others, and witnessing violent fights.

A “Living Hell”

“She was crying on the phone saying, ‘Mum, please forgive me,’” Danielle revealed. “She’s never been in trouble before. I believe she’s just been caught up in something.”

The family is pursuing an appeal while Mia faces a £100,000 fine and decades behind bars.