David Ballantine

“Unfortunately, David’s case is not unusual. We are approached by dozens of cases a week where Brits are detained and experience unfair treatment. Recently Billy Barclay and Jamie Harron made the headlines, but these individual cases only reflect endemic problems with the UAE legal system. We have lobbied for the FCO to be more proactive and to increase their travel warnings for the UAE, because we continue to see an increase in the number of frivolous cases that often have devastating consequences”.
“David is part of a major class action being taken against the UK government for failing in their duty of care to British citizens who fall victim of the UAE’s deeply flawed legal system." Radha Stirling, CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai

Another Scottish victim of the UAE legal system comes forward - "2 years detained in Dubai for "2 years UAE detention for £2 taxi fare." After the recent cases of Jamie Harron and Billy Barclay, another Scotsman has come forward to speak about his own Middle East nightmare. 46-year-old businessman David Ballantine, reportedly lost his life savings after being detained in the UAE for 2 years after a mixup with a

David Ballantine another victim of the UAE legal systemScot David Ballantine was forced to stay in Dubai without his passport for two years over a false allegation of not paying a taxi fare. There had been some confusion with the taxi driver setting off with the wrong people in the car. David had told the taxi driver to stop, but the driver ignored him for 50 metres before pulling over near a policeman. The driver angrily complained to the officer, who told David to pay the minimum amount of AED 10 (£2).

"David's taxi incident ultimately escalated to charges related to theft, non payment, rudeness, consumption of alcohol, assault and even overstaying his visa. It is important that tourists are aware of how quickly a small dispute can turn into a life impacting punishment. In David's case, this one night had severe consequences as he awaited lengthy legal proceedings, without government support and without the ability to work. There has been talk in the UAE about introducing tourism courts for expedited hearings and this would go a long way in ensuring that tourists are not made homeless while awaiting proceedings. There are many British nationals in this position right now. Jamie Harron was fortunate during proceedings that he had friends to stay with, but others have not been so lucky"

British man jailed in Dubai for not paying £2 taxi fareDavid Ballantine ended up homeless after his savings ran out while waiting for his trial

The UK government did nothing to help, according to David. “They visited once, and gave me a list of lawyers that I couldn’t afford. The only people who have helped following my release are Detained In Dubai, specifically their CEO, Radha Stirling."