Brit, 23, jailed for life in Dubai after 'very stupid mistake' now released from prison

A 23-year-old British woman who was reportedly jailed for life in Dubai has now been released.

Mia O'Brien was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in September after allegedly being caught with 50 grams of cocaine. At the time, her mother said Mia had been arrested after a "very stupid mistake."

Mum Dannielle McKenna said at the time: "Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life. This is a young girl, who went to university to do law, and unfortunately got mixed up in the wrong so-called friends and made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price."

Danielle has now confirmed that her daughter has been released.

She announced on Facebook: "My baby girl is coming home", adding: "Thank you so much everyone, am still in shock, am buzzing, can't wait to give her the tightest cuddle ever. She's coming home, she's coming home, my baby is coming home."

Mia had been handed a 25-year prison sentence after being convicted of drug possession.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai said: "Dubai police have a history of rushing to secure convictions without the rigorous evidentiary standards we expect in the UK.

"We’ve seen fabricated confessions, reliance on circumstantial evidence, and a disregard for due process. I would urge the public to withhold judgement. Mia’s case could be the latest in a long line of miscarriages of justice.”

Mia was reportedly imprisoned at Al-Awir Central Prison.