News Digest

British grandfather facing 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia to be released

The British grandfather who was facing 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia will be released within a week, the Foreign Secretary has said. Karl Andree was facing the punishment after being caught with homemade wine in his car, breaching the country’s ban on alcohol. Philip Hammond confirmed the release of the 74-year-old during a visit to the country where he met the Saudi king. Mr Andree was also sentenced to 12 months in jail by a Sharia court last year  - a sentence he has served.

It was never about causing offence (to Saudi Arabia) - we just wanted out father back because he had served his time.

Karl Andree son, Simon

His family were worried the public flogging could kill him as he suffers from asthma and is frail after surviving cancer three times. His son, Simon, told Sky News he was “extremely happy” that his father would finally be coming home. He said the family’s decision to go public and seek publicity “because nothing was being done” had proved to be the right move. Three of Mr Andree’s grandchildren had made their emotional video appealing for David Cameron to intervene. "No human deserves to be treated like this,“ said the message. "He is really poorly, really old and we love him very much. Please Mr Cameron, don’t forget our grandad, you’re his only hope.”