The son of a 74-year-old cancer survivor sentenced to 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia has pleaded with authorities to let his “frail” father come home.
Karl Andree has served a year in jail after being caught with illegal alcohol but has been told he could face a public flogging, which his family fear could kill him.
His son Simon has begged the Government to help bring him home telling the BBC: “He has served his time.
“He’s done his time now – he should be released. This lashing sentence we fear because of his age – he won’t survive it.
“He’s a frail old man… he’s a British citizen and I want him to come home now – enough is enough.”
Mr Andree, a grandfather of seven who has battled cancer and suffers from asthma, has lived in the Middle East for the last 25 years, having worked in the oil industry.
He was arrested in Jeddah in August last year after bottles of home-made wine were discovered by police, according to the Sun newspaper.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our embassy staff are continuing to assist Mr Andree, including regular visits to check on his welfare, and frequent contact with his lawyer and family.
“Ministers and senior officials have raised Mr Andree’s case with the Saudi government and we are actively seeking his release as soon as possible.”