British student sentenced to life in Dubai after ‘stupid mistake,’ says family
23-year-old Mia O’Brien from Liverpool is being held in Dubai’s central prison as her family pleads for support and clarity
A British law student has been given a life sentence in Dubai, leaving her family in disbelief and struggling to come to terms with what they describe as a “very stupid mistake.” Mia O’Brien, 23, from Huyton, Liverpool, has not seen her family since October and is now held in Dubai’s central prison.
Mia’s mother, Danielle McKenna, 46, shared the news in a now-deleted fundraising appeal intended to cover legal fees and travel costs. In her post, she described her daughter as someone with a clean record who “got mixed up with the wrong friends.”
“Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life,” McKenna wrote. “She went to university to study law, and unfortunately made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price.”
She added that the family has not been able to visit Mia since last October, calling the experience “absolutely devastating.”
Unclear charges but severe penalties
The specific crime O’Brien was convicted of has not been confirmed publicly. However, in Dubai, life sentences — often defined as around 15 years — are typically handed down for serious crimes including drug trafficking or violent offenses.
Reports suggest her case may be linked to a substance-related violation. The United Arab Emirates enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world, with zero tolerance for even trace amounts.
According to the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office, penalties for drug-related offenses in the UAE include:
Possession of even small amounts leading to a minimum three-month prison term or fines up to 100,000 dirhams (£21,000+).
The presence of drugs in the bloodstream counted as possession.
Severe sentences for trafficking, including the death penalty.
Authorities also warn that items such as CBD oil, herbal highs, or even residue in transit baggage can result in arrest.
Family’s attempt to raise funds blocked
McKenna’s fundraising campaign initially raised nearly £700 toward a £1,600 goal, but GoFundMe later removed the page. The platform prohibits appeals linked to legal defenses involving certain crimes.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, McKenna said her daughter is struggling after being transferred to another prison: “She’s going through it at the minute. It’s been a massive shock.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed they are supporting the family and liaising with Emirati authorities: “We are supporting the family of a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.”
For now, Mia O’Brien’s future remains uncertain as her family faces the reality of her long sentence abroad. With little information made public about the case, they are left hoping for a chance to see her again after nearly a year apart.
