Family face battle to free Dubai plane spotters

The families of two British men jailed after going plane spotting in Dubai are having to “beg and borrow” to raise desperately-needed cash for the legal battle to free them.

Conrad Clitheroe, 53, and his friend Gary Cooper, 45, were arrested after being spotted by an off-duty policeman taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 128km from Dubai. Their families have appointed a lawyer to negotiate their freedom, but the fees cost many thousands of euro and could push them into debt.

They fear the legal battle could be lengthy after authorities in the United Arab Emirates declared they plan to move the men to Abu Dhabi to answer allegations that they breached national security. Their friend, ex-pat Neil Munro, is also in jail facing the same claims.