An update March 2024 #RescueRoger

Hi, Vanessa here! As many of you know I am raising money for my friend, Roger…WE ARE SO CLOSE TO OUR GOAL…all continued support and donations (no matter how small) remain deeply appreciated.

Eight years ago this month, on 15 February 2015, Roger was the victim of an unprovoked physical assault by an Emirati national. Regrettably, the aggressor was injured when Roger reacted in self-defense.

Since, taking no responsibility for his own actions, the aggressor has maintained a campaign of vengeance against Roger, leaving him unable to work, access medical services, or return home due to the authorities having his passport. His life is in limbo!

Help #RescueRoger from Dubai – after years as a fugitive, his situation is desperate with declining mental health, recent blackouts from malnutrition and ongoing issues from Ulcerative Colitis.

An offer to help fight the outstanding civil case and repatriate him to his UK home has arisen! Please help us finally get him home.

Here is his story…

Following the night of the physical assault on Roger, which resulted in an injury to the aggressor, a court case was held in 2016 depleting Roger of all personal funds and assets, including additional funds from family and friends.

Initially, Roger received a 3-year sentence however upon appeal it was proven that the aggressor/plaintiff had misled the court regarding his part in instigating the assault, as well as the extent of his injury.

The sentence was reduced to 12 months, which Roger served in Al Awir Corrections Facility in Dubai.

Underhandedly, the plaintiff then raised a civil case against Roger, which was heard without his knowledge or presence.

With no representation, the court found against Roger and he was fined US$200,000.

Roger has no funds to pay this fine and until it is paid he remains a fugitive and under constant threat of imprisonment. Authorities have his password.

Roger is a UK national, a son, brother, father, and dear friend to many.

He has been living hand to mouth - house sitting and pet sitting whenever possible and volunteering with charities to stay connected and feel purposeful.

Largely, Roger has survived due to the generosity of friends, however, the transient nature of Dubai now has Roger’s local support network dwindling.

By nature, Roger is a positive, joyful, and optimistic person.

However, the years of uncertainty and separation from loved ones are taking their toll on his mental, emotional, and physical health.

Roger lost his mother in 2018, his brother passed away unexpectedly in 2021, and he suffered the recent loss of his dear friend, Leah.

Trapped in Dubai, he had not seen his loved ones for over 8 years and was unable to say his last goodbyes.

Roger suffers from Ulcerative Colitis, a painful condition exacerbated by stress that requires ongoing medical attention that he has been unable to get in Dubai.

Worryingly, over the last six months, he has experienced excessive weight loss and recent blackouts.

Roger has attempted a variety of ways in which to resolve the matter, including:

Thank you for taking an interest in our Go Fund Me campaign and for taking the time to read Roger’s story.

Your help is truly appreciated.