A woman serving ten years for drugs smuggling in the Middle East was today reunited with her family after being granted a Royal pardon.

Anna Bartlett, of Sandringham Road, Southend, was released from her Dubai prison cell and flew back to the UK yesterday following the move by the Ras Al-Khaimah family in the United Arab Emirates.

The 25-year-old, who admitted carrying hashish and cocaine on a flight from Germany to Dubai, once faced the death penalty but was given a 25-year life sentence in 2001.

Philip and Penelope Bartlett, of Southend, spent months negotiating a pardon with the Emirates' ruling family.

It is understood that a £10,000 fine imposed at the trial has been paid.

Mrs Bartlett, a librarian, said: "Obviously we are delighted. The reality has not caught up with us."

Mr Bartlett, 53, said his daughter, the youngest of three children, had been travelling the world when she was arrested.

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003

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