THE children of a man trapped in the Middle East for a year pleaded today: "Let our daddy come home!"

Mark Glass has been stranded in Dubai by a legal wrangle after a man crashed his car.

His wife Boryana, children Veronique, three, and Angelique, two - along with father Roy and mother Hilary Atherage are desperate for him be allowed home after an agnoising wait.

Mrs Glass, of Foregate Street, Worcester, said: "The kids keep on asking where is daddy.

"They keep saying daddy doesn't love us, but he is a good dad and he misses them so much.

"They are growing up without a father.

"They have done nothing to deserve this. It is so unbelievable. You couldn't make this up."

His mother re-mortgaged their house to pay the car hire company and lawyer's fees. The family say they feel helpless and although they have been in touch with the British Embassy and Worcester MP Mike Foster, nothing has moved forward.

Mr Glass's ordeal started when he gave an acquaintance some keys to remove goods from the boot of his car.

The man, who had been drinking, got in the car, drove off and crashed it.

Mr Glass was not charged with any offence but was held responsible for the cost of the car as his name was on the lease.

His passport was confiscated by court officials.

Mr Glass said he was advised by a lawyer if he paid £5,000 out of court to the car hire company, he would have his passport returned.

But despite doing so, his passport is still with the court, he has lost his job and is sleeping on a friend's floor. Meanwhile, the man who took the car is still at large.

Mr Glass's mother re-mortgaged her house to pay the car hire company and lawyer's fees.

Mr Glass has had to face numerous court appearances held in Arabic, which Mr Glass does not understand.

Mrs Glass said she cannot understand the delays - especially as a warrant for the other man's arrest has been issued and her husband is in the clear.

The situation has left the whole family in debt and they are struggling to make ends meet, relying on help from his parents, friends and the church.

"Everyone has been so kind to us. There are so many bills though, everything has just gone crazy. Having to live with this feeling of helplessness is terrible," she added.

The family now have no income - Mr Glass is unable to work in Dubai as it would require a passport - and Mrs Glass has to look after their two young daughters.

Mr Glass, whose health is now suffering due to the stress he is under, said all he wants to do is return home. "All the people I care for are struggling because of this stupid case. I miss my family so much.

"My daughters are growing up without a father.

"I have nightmares they won't remember me when I finally get to leave here."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said he was doing everything he could and understood the family's concerns.

He said: "The embassy have made it clear they will do what they can to quietly amend matters with the authorities in Dubai to bring about the return of Mark's passport.

"We will do what we can to help and bring about his speedy return to the UK.

A Foreign Office spokesman said a representative would be meeting Mr Glass this morning.

Mr Glass is due to have another hearing on Monday, June 25.

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