Antonia Bettridge is said to have moved to the country in November 2023 – just months after appearing in Liverpool Crown Court
07:55, 05 Mar 2026Updated 09:48, 05 Mar 2026
Antonia Bettridge, from St Helens, has been detained in Dubai
A Merseyside woman is facing drug charges after being detained in Dubai. Antonia Bettridge, from St Helens, moved to Dubai in November 2023, according to legal advisors Detained in Dubai (DID), where she worked as a sports coach before moving into real estate and training to become a personal trainer.
It is unclear when the 25-year-old was detained, although it is thought to have been at the beginning of last month, with the legal advisors now stating she has been detained under the United Arab Emirates’ drug laws under suspicion of “possession of narcotics with intent to promote”. This can lead to a AED 200,000 fine and life in prison if she is found guilty.
In a statement from DID, it states authorities in Dubai do not need evidence of intention to promote or sell.
Antonia’s mum, who has not been publicly named, said: “Antonia’s whole life revolves around fitness and healthy living. She doesn’t live a party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to build something positive for herself. We are devastated and just want clarity about what has happened.”
She continued: “With everything happening in the region at the moment, it is incredibly frightening knowing our daughter is in detention and we cannot reach her.
“We are worried sick. We just want her to be safe and to have the opportunity to prepare her defence properly.”
Antonia Bettridge, from St Helens, has been detained in Dubai
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who has been supporting the family, said the broader situation surrounding regional conflict in the Middle East has heightened anxiety for families with relatives detained in the UAE.
She said: “When there is regional instability or security incidents, families naturally become even more concerned about loved ones who are already in a vulnerable situation. It reinforces why allowing defendants to prepare their cases from outside detention, where appropriate, is so important.
“We hope the FCDO supports her application for bail pending any trial at the very least.”
Antonia has previously appeared in Liverpool Crown Court in September 2023 where she was convicted for being in possession of criminal property after police officers discovered £8,000 in her glove box.
The then-21-year-old was pulled over after leaving the M62 at junction nine for Winwick, Warrington, on December 22, 2021. She explained to the officers how she had no money on her but when PCs checked her handbag, they found £610 and then the subsequent cash in her car.
It was later established she had driven to Gordano Services on the M5 near to Bristol, roughly a three-hour drive and approximately 170 miles from her home on Greenfield Road in Dentons Green, before returning north.
The personal trainer walked free from court after admitting possessing criminal property.
Antonia Bettridge walked free from Liverpool Crown Court in 2023
She was handed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 30 days and 75 hours of unpaid work, as well as being told to pay £1,200 in court costs.
An FCDO spokesperson previously said: “We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.”
British nationals living in Dubai have been put on alert following regional escalation. The conflict between Iran and the US and its allies has caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, sparking major disruption to flights. Thousands of people stranded in the Middle East are returning home this week as airlines ramp up their flights from the region.
However, cancellations are still affecting flights out of the country. Anyone in the United Arab Emirates should stay away from areas around security or military facilities and follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.
The Foreign Office now advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates. Since the US-Israeli attacks began on Saturday, Iran has launched a series of attacks on US bases and allies across the region.
Images authenticated by BBC show the US consulate building in Dubai in flames after being hit by a drone on Tuesday evening. In a statement, the Dubai Media Office said the competent authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure public safety, urging residents to rely on official sources for information.