A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai over a consensual relationship during a family holiday has begged for mercy from the emirate's leader.

Marcus Fakana has formally submitted a plea for clemency to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

The 19-year-old was sentenced to one year in prison after he struck up a romantic relationship with a 17-year-old British girl.

Both his family and the girl's family were on holiday at the time.

Marcus, who was 18 when the relationship began, is currently being held in Al Awir Prison, where he has spent several months in isolating and harsh conditions.