Dubai prison nightmare is over for Hampstead TV executive

THE Hampstead TV executive facing years in a Dubai prison over drugs allegations was released yesterday.

Officials claimed to have found microscopic traces of hashish in the bag of Cat Le-Huy, 31 from Garnett Road.

But he has been freed from the Al Wathba prison where he has been held since January 26 without charge and was due to land in London today.

Campaign organiser and close friend Radha Stirling thanked the Ham&High, which first broke news of his detention on this website.

She said: "We have received an overwhelming amount of correspondence from colleagues and friends who are absolutely delighted at the positive news. We are very thankful for all of the support we have received from the worldwide press and particularly to the Ham&High for breaking the news in the first instance.

"The last few days have been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride for his family - it's a very emotional time for all.

Cat is very tired but excited to be returning to his normal life and thankful to the many people who have helped him throughout this ordeal."

Initially officials told Mr Le-Huy they were holding him for possession of legal melatonin pills in his luggage. They then claimed to have found 0.03g of hashish in his bag - less than a grain of sugar.

Anyone found in possession of drugs in Dubai is automatically jailed. However Mr Le-Huy, who is head of technology at Endemol, has had all charges against him dropped.

His girlfriend of five years Mildred Von Hildegard, 28, was flying to meet him yesterday from her American home.

She said: "I booked my flight before I knew he was being released.

"I was flying to London to sub-let his flat, sort out our things and foster the dog, but instead it looks like he'll be meeting me there. Now I just can't wait for that call from him saying he's home."

Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson has given Mr Le-Huy a free first class seat on one of his flights back to London today.