Briton facing lashes in Saudi Arabia to be freed

The family of a 74-year-old British grandfather who was threatened with flogging for breaking Saudi Arabia’s strict anti-alcohol laws have said they are “absolutely thrilled” he is to be released.

Karl Andree has been locked up since his arrest in Jeddah in August last year when he was caught with home-made wine.

During a visit to Saudi Arabia, the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, confirmed Andree would be released within a week .