Brit imprisoned in Morocco after unknowingly buying drink with counterfeit money

01 February 2023 , 17:29

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Ms Cornick understands he is being kept in "cramped spaces" with 32 people in a 12-man cell, (Image: Facebook)

The family of a Brit who was imprisoned in Morocco over two months ago are growing increasingly concerned over his welfare.

Oliver Andrews visited Marrakech in November and was arrested after being accused of using counterfeit money to pay for a drink.

He claimed to be unaware of the fake money until Moroccan Police showed up at his hotel and arrested him.

The 29-year-old's partner, Alanna Cornick, wrote on Facebook: "We all know that this situation of paying with cash of which some of it turns out to be a counterfeit can happen to absolutely anyone."

Mr Andrews says he has received no help from the British authorities - but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it provided assistance.

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Oliver Andrews visited Marrakech in November

Speaking via the family, Mr Andrew's solicitor, in Morocco, said he and his friend he was on holiday with had been charged with possessing and distributing counterfeit money within the country, and one count of creating an organised criminal group.

His family are very worried about the conditions in which he is being kept as he was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2021 and requires daily medication.

They said to the BBC he was not given access to his medication until his solicitor organised access on December 16.

When Mr Andrews was visited by his solicitor the family said: "he was in a very deteriorating mental and physical state" as without his medication "his blood circulation was slowing down".

The 29-year-old's family said he denied the charges

Alanna Cornick, Mr Andrew's partner, said to the BBC: "We just want to the embassy to do their job and go and visit him, and make sure to check on his welfare.

"The condition that he's living in is just heart-breaking on a daily basis."

Ms Cornick understands he is being kept in "cramped spaces" with 32 people in a 12-man cell, with no bedding or fresh air.

She wrote on Facebook: "When we visited him in the prison, he was in a very deteriorating mental and physical state and had begun to entertain suicidal thoughts due to not being able to communicate with anyone because of the language barrier."

Zoe, Mr Andrew's mother, told the BBC she feels very let down and deserted by the British government. She said they are not asking for legal help but want assurances of his welfare.

Rachel Hagan