A driver has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a British teenager in a car crash, just three months after the young man was released from a prison in Dubai.
Fatal Pursuit in North London
Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, aged 20, admitted in court that he was attempting to evade pursuing police officers when he crashed a BMW into a lorry in Tottenham. The collision resulted in the death of passenger Marcus Fakana, who was 19 years old at the time.
Background of the Deceased
Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham in north London, had previously been imprisoned in Dubai in December 2024. He was convicted for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, also from London, during what was described as a holiday romance.
The case came to light after the girl's mother discovered pictures and messages on her daughter's phone and reported the matter to authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Fakana was initially sentenced to a year in prison but was granted a royal pardon and released in July 2025. Under Dubai law, adults can face prosecution for sexual relationships with individuals under the age of 18.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Huseen entered his guilty plea at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday via videolink from HMP Pentonville. He admitted to causing death by dangerous driving in the incident, which occurred in the early hours of 3 October 2025.
In addition to the fatal charge, Huseen also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving to another passenger in the BMW. He further admitted to driving without insurance and without a valid licence at the time of the crash.
Police Account of the Incident
The Metropolitan Police stated that officers were attempting to stop a vehicle of interest on Pretoria Road. After a pursuit lasting approximately one minute, they temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.
When officers subsequently drove into The Roundway, they discovered the BMW had been involved in a serious collision with a lorry. Mr Fakana was transported to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Consequences and Reactions
Huseen, who is also from Tottenham, has remained in custody since his arrest at the scene of the crash. Following his guilty pleas, Judge Emma Deacon KC remanded him in custody once again.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 27 February, when a date for sentencing will be determined.
Radha Sterling, chief executive of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, which had advocated for Mr Fakana's release from prison, expressed profound sorrow upon learning of his death. She stated that Marcus had endured long-lasting mental anguish from his time in detention, having spent the majority of the year incarcerated before his tragic demise.
The case highlights the complex intersection of international legal issues, youth vulnerability, and road safety concerns within London's communities.
