A football coach was sentenced to jail in Dubai after he found four bottles of e-cigarette liquid containing cannabis oil in his car, and his sentence was commuted.
25-year-old Billy Hood claimed that although he could not speak Arabic, he was forced to sign a confession written in Arabic.
The campaign organization detained in Dubai said he was initially sentenced to 25 years in jail but reduced his sentence to 10 years in a court in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Mr. Hood from West London claimed that the oil was left by friends.
His mother, Breda Guckion, said the outcome of the appeal was "not welcome."
She told BBC Breakfast: "Billy did nothing wrong. We thought we would find Billy could go home.
"Someone told him that the charges against him had been dropped, but he had been there for ten years-it was heartbreaking.
"He has called several times, and he said it's okay, but you can tell from his voice that he doesn't.
"Billy is very strong and optimistic, but you can hear his inner struggle is going on."
The Abu Dhabi General Administration of Drug Control (GDDC) said it found cannabis oil and 570 individual cartridges for drug use.
On February 2, shortly after he moved to the country, a large amount of cash and "electronic hookah" were also found in his car.
Mr. Hood, who played semi-professional football for Kensington and Ealing Borough Football Clubs, told the Dubai Detention Center that the police unexpectedly showed up and asked to search his home and car.
He claimed that the oil was left by a friend who visited from the UK two weeks ago.
But Mr. Hood from Notting Hill claimed that he was forced to sign a confession under pressure from local law enforcement agencies.
The public prosecutor of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) denied this, claiming that Mr. Hood could use English translation at all relevant stages, including his interrogation, confession and trial.
The prosecutor said in a statement: "Mr. Hood was convicted based on evidence, including his possessions, cell phone information, third-party statements and his own confession."
Smoking cannabidiol (CBD) oil is legal in the UK and has become very popular-usually for pain, anxiety or stress relief.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that the UAE “adopt a zero tolerance approach to drug-related crimes”.
Penalties for drug trafficking may include the death penalty, and possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs may result in at least four years in prison.
Chief Executive Radha Stirling, who was detained in Dubai, stated that Mr. Hood was “forced to confess federal crimes and promised to be released soon.”
"He got carrots and sticks, so some prosecutors can get his dues. The story is too familiar," she said.
"Dubai's excessive prosecution ruined this young man's life and sent him and his family to hell."
The Ministry of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs stated that it "is providing consular support to a British man detained in the UAE."
Coach appeals to Dubai CBD e-liquid serving sentence
Man sentenced to 25 years in jail in Dubai for CBD vape oil
Cannabis products "may be off the shelves within a year"
Do CBD health claims exaggerate the facts?
British Airways announces new short-haul routes from Gatwick Airport
Police appeal for help to find "high-injury criminals" before Christmas
Greggs Orpington: The new store brings 20 new jobs to the area
Extinction insurgent protesters block access to controversial incinerator
29-year-old female investor spearheads European expansion for U.S. venture capital Sapphire
New Greggs store opens in Orpington-creating 20 new jobs
Information about the BBC’s links to other news sites
Belarusian opposition leader sentenced to 18 years in prison
The United Nations says the Arctic high temperature record is like the Mediterranean
Amazon criticizes safety in tornado-affected areas
Is the deadly American tornado caused by climate change?
Youth immigration puts Guatemalan families in trouble
Royal Christmas greetings-but where do they come from? Our timed quiz...
Anger intensified after Indian army's botched ambush
Ros Atkins talks about... F1 championship drama. Video Ros Atkins on... F1 Championship
U.S. city mayors rely on cryptocurrency
How to power your neighbors. Video how to power neighbors
Saudi Arabia allows free thinkers to talk to students
Black Axe: Become an extremely violent cult of the global mafia
Everything about you used to belong to her...
The Girl Before: Upcoming Twisted Thriller
Embark on a voyage of winter beauty
The soft instrumental music makes you lose...
© 2021 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. Read our external link method.