An East London tourist died from "neglect" in a Dubai police station, an inquest ruled today (November 4). Businessman Lee Brown, 39, died on April 12, 2011 after five days in custody at the Bur Dubai police station.
Lee was left bruised and beaten while being given inadequate food and water. He was then placed in solitary confinement where he did not have access to necessary medical care. The builder, painter and decorator from Dagenham, East London, had been planning to visit the city for a few days before flying to Indonesia to visit his girlfriend.
Jurors were told he arrived in the Gulf state on April 6, 2011, and the following day he allegedly assaulted a maid at the Burj Al Arab hotel where he was staying. Lee said the woman had come into his room without permission and that he was soon surrounded by 20 people who dragged him to the police station.
The hearing was told that Lee may have been having a mental health episode when he arrived at the prison. His family say such an episode was the only credible explanation for his alleged behaviour at the hotel. They have also accused the Foreign Office of placing diplomatic relations above the welfare of their loved one.