Exeter man Matthew Hedges has been jailed for life in the United Arab Emirates after being convicted of spying for the UK Government.
Mr Hedges was arrested at Dubai airport on May 5 this year after flying to the UAE to interview people about foreign policy and security in the Middle East.
He has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest, prompting concerns for his heath and welfare.
He was briefly released on bail after a campaign by the Foreign Office and his wife, but was today jailed for life by the UAE Federal Court.
Mr Hedges, from Exeter, said he travelled to the UAE as research for his PhD and has always denied spying for the UK government.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Middle East minister Alistair Burt have both campaigned for Mr Hedge's release and visited the UAE.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, when Matthew was out on bail, his wife Daniela Tejada, 27, said: “"Above everything, I hope that justice will be done and Matt is granted his rightful freedom - something that he's been unjustly denied in the last six months.
"My main concern is his safety and I'd like to request the FCO and UAE authorities to ensure that he's protected during this time.”
Daniela said she was concerned about her husband's mental health as he has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest.
She said: "What I can confirm is that my husband Matt has not received appropriate medical care and attention, especially in regard to his mental health.
"Matt has been kept in solitary confinement for over five months.
"Matt does not speak Arabic and is therefore unable to communicate fully with the court-appointed lawyer, who he has only met once, at his court hearing last week.
"Matt was in the UAE to carry out academic research for his PhD.
"Since he was detained on May 5, 2018 he has only ever been granted two consular visits which is in direct violation of his rights.
"Matt is a man of integrity and principle. He has a brilliant academic mind and an impeccable track record.
"He is kind and caring and greatly loved and respected. Please send him home."
British officials have visited Mr Hedges twice, although he is said to have been prevented from discussing his case with them.
According to a profile on the Durham University website, Mr Hedges' research includes Middle Eastern politics, the changing nature of war, civil-military relations and tribalism.
