Mia O’Brien, a 23-year-old from Liverpool, has reportedly received a life sentence in Dubai for possessing 50g of cocaine. Her mother, Danielle McKenna, is speaking out against the criticism her daughter has received online.
Mia made a significant error while in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visiting friends, which could result in her spending the next 25 years in an overseas prison.
Danielle McKenna initially created a GoFundMe page, now removed, aiming to raise £5,000 to help with Mia’s legal expenses and the family’s travel costs associated with the case.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some people showing little empathy, prompting Danielle to express her frustration.
She shared a link to another fundraiser on Facebook hosted on GiveSendGo, accompanied by a strong message.
“This is my little girl, my first born and only daughter, I would and will fight for my kids till the day I die,” the message began.
“So to all you haters, let’s hope karma doesn’t come knocking on your door, your nasty comments do not hurt or affect my life, so you won’t get a reaction or response from me, and if that’s what [you’re] after, maybe get in touch with the Samaritans helpline if [you’re] that sad and lonely. Much love to you all [kiss emoji].”
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Danielle described Mia’s actions as a ‘stupid mistake’ that doesn’t define her character.
“I speak to her, but she can’t say too much on the phone. She’s just made a stupid mistake after going over to see a friend and her boyfriend in Dubai,” she explained.
“She was crying on the phone and saying ‘Oh mum – please forgive me’. I definitely don’t think she was going to sell the drugs or bring them back.
“It’s a lot of drugs but there are others involved and she has just been caught up in it.”
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website provides a clear warning about Dubai’s stringent drug laws.
“There is zero tolerance for drug-related offences,” it states. “The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe.
“Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum 3-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham and 100,000 UAE dirham. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the bloodstream as possession.
“Possessing, concealing or making transactions with money from drug-related offences is illegal. You could get a prison sentence and a fine.”
Danielle previously mentioned that she had not seen her daughter since October 2024.