A MOTHER is desperate to get her son back from the Middle East, fearing he could face the death penalty for a drug smuggling charge he has been cleared of.

On February 7 last year, Christopher Dean, of Leeds Road, Seven Kings, flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a week-long holiday.

The father of a two-year-old daughter and one-year-old son was celebrating his 29th birthday with friends.

But during the trip, they were all arrested and accused of trying to smuggle spice, a synthetic cannabis, into the country.

After eight months in prison, they were all found not guilty and Christopher’s friends returned to the UK.

But the authorities refused to return Christopher’s passport back as they are now appealing the court’s decision, which could leave him facing the death penalty.

He has now been in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, for almost a year with no job or permanent accommodation.

His mother, Gwen Monfared, who also lives in Leeds Road, Seven Kings, said she felt in “complete shock” when she received the news about Christopher.

The 50-year-old said: “This past year has been a complete nightmare and very stressful.

“We do not know what is going on, as there has been no word about any court date or any information about when he will be allowed to leave the country.

“We have to remain hopeful but it just does not seem fair.

“We just feel so desperate.”

Ms Monfared has described the ordeal as “mental torture” for Christopher, particularly as his future is so uncertain.

She said: “He has never been in trouble before and is a caring, compassionate and well-mannered person.”

She has also started a petition to raise awareness about her son’s plight, with the hope that it will be noticed by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Since December, more than 5,590 people have signed it in support.

Ms Monfared said: “I started the petition as I think it is important for as many people to know about this and help bring him back to his home country. We all just want to know what is going to happen to him.”

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We have been providing support to a British man since his arrest in Abu Dhabi in February 2016.

“We continue to provide assistance and remain in contact with local authorities.”

To sign the petition, visit: change.org/p/teresa-may-support-me-in-having-my-son-extradited-to-prevent-death-penalty