Former Nottingham soldier Andrew Neal accused of 'handling drugs' in Dubai

A Nottingham army veteran has been detained in Dubai for four months after allegedly handling drugs, it has been revealed.

Andy Neal, 44, has been in jail since October 4, 2018, after police seized him from his home.

The father-of-two who is said to have 17 medals and a commendation for saving someone's life after more than two decades in the military.

The group representing him, called Detained in Dubai, said he was wrongly taken into custody for "handling drugs" and is fighting to free him.

Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, who is representing the Neal family, said: "Andy has lost his business, and has lost four months of his life.

"Andy should not spend another night in prison, let alone another four months.

"We are calling on the support of Jeremy Hunt and [Nottinghamshire MP] Mark Spencer to stand up for Andy Neal, a man who has dedicated much of his life to supporting the British forces abroad, and who was recovering from PTSD following his service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia."

The group say Mr Neal was wrongly arrested and has described his experience as a "waking nightmare."

Mr Neal's parents, Sue and Maurice are "worried out of their minds" the group added. It alleged his wife has only been able to visit him once a week while in prison.

MP for Sherwood, Mark Spencer told Nottinghamshire Live: "I am aware of Mr Neal's case and know that this is a distressing time for him and his family with whom my office has been in contact.

"The Foreign Office is taking the lead on this matter and my office are liaising with them as continue to provide assistance to Mr Neal and his family."

Mr Neal, who moved to the country in 2015, served as a corporal in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters - and subsequently the Mercian Regiment - from 1991 until 2009, then transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corporation as a dog trainer and handler, with several tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Ireland.

He was diagnosed with PTSD on his most recent deployment to Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are providing assistance to a British man after his arrest in Dubai and are in touch with his family and the UAE authorities."