British Personal Trainer Detained in Dubai Following Past Conviction
A British personal trainer has reportedly been detained in Dubai, raising questions about international travel with a criminal record. Antonia Bettridge, who moved to the United Arab Emirates after a conviction for possession of criminal property, is currently under detention in the Middle Eastern city.
Background of the Conviction
Bettridge appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in 2023 after police discovered £8,000 in cash in her glove box during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on December 22, 2021, when she was pulled over on the M62 at junction nine for Winwick, Warrington. At the time, she was 21 years old and claimed to have no money, but officers found £610 in her handbag and additional cash in her vehicle.
It was later revealed that she had driven to Gordano Services on the M5 near Bristol, a journey of approximately three hours and 170 miles from her home on Greenfield Road in Dentons Green, before returning north. She admitted to possessing criminal property and received a 12-month community order, which included a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 30 days, 75 hours of unpaid work, and £1,200 in court costs.
Current Situation in Dubai
Following her conviction, Bettridge relocated to the UAE, where she works as a personal trainer and events planner. Reports indicate she has now been detained in Dubai. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that officials are supporting a British woman detained in the country, though they have not named her specifically.
A spokesperson for the FCDO told The Liverpool Echo, "We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities." This statement highlights the diplomatic efforts underway to address her detention.
Visa Challenges with a Criminal Record
Obtaining a work visa in Dubai with a criminal record can be challenging. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), individuals typically need to produce a certificate of good conduct from their home country. The difficulty of securing a visa depends on the severity of the crime, which in Bettridge's case involved possession of criminal property.
This incident underscores the complexities of international employment and legal systems, particularly for those with past convictions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential repercussions when traveling or working abroad with a criminal history.
