Grandad is facing jail after noise complaint

Request… Ian MacKeller

A GRANDFATHER is facing jail in Dubai after being accused of trespass for asking neighbours to keep the noise down.

Ian MacKeller, 75, travelled to the UAE to babysit for his daughter.

A New Year’s Eve party was held next door with loud music still playing at 1am.

Ian, of Aberdeenshire, said they messaged the neighbours asking them to turn the music down.

When they didn’t he went round, taking his infant granddaughter with him. Ian went into their garden and asked if they could move the party indoors.

But he claims guests began to push him and shout at him.

Ian made his way to the street and says the host approached him, shouting and throwing her drink over him and the baby.

Trespass

The party host has now accused Ian of trespass, which could earn him years in prison.

Radha Stirling, of Detained in Dubai, said: “The prosecution tends to side with whomever makes the first police report, so if someone is at risk of being reported themselves, they will quickly file against the actual victim.”

She added: “It is commonplace for foreigners in this situation to offer financial compensation to their accuser in order to drop the case.

“Authorities in Dubai need to crack down on this blatant abuse of the criminal justice system.”

Ian was scheduled to return to Scotland on January 10. Ms Stirling said: “Nobody would ever imagine that a polite request to turn the music down would result in a travel ban and criminal prosecution.

“Again and again, we are reminded that a trip to Dubai can indeed be a one-way ticket.”