A personal trainer previously apprehended by police in the UK with a significant sum of money has now been held in Dubai. Antonia Bettridge, a resident of St Helens, was found guilty in 2023 for possessing illicit funds when law enforcement officers discovered over £8,000 in her car’s glove compartment. The incident occurred when the 21-year-old was stopped off the M62 in Warrington due to her erratic driving behavior. Suspicion arose when she claimed to have no money, stating she was returning from shopping, which prompted officers to search her vehicle and uncover the substantial amount of cash.

Further investigation revealed that Bettridge had made a round trip to Gordano Services on the M5 near Bristol, a journey spanning roughly three hours from her residence on Greenfield Road in Dentons Green, before swiftly heading back north.

In September 2023, Bettridge admitted to possessing criminal proceeds and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring her to participate in up to 30 days of rehabilitation activities and complete 75 hours of unpaid work, in addition to paying £1,200 in court expenses.

Following her legal issues, Bettridge relocated to Dubai where she identified herself as a personal trainer and events planner in the Middle East, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Recently, she has been detained in Dubai, with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirming that they are providing assistance to a British woman in custody in Dubai.

According to the FCDO spokesperson, they are liaising with local authorities regarding the detainment of the British woman. Bettridge’s move to Dubai post-conviction reflects the need for a certificate of good conduct from one’s home country to acquire a work visa in Dubai, as outlined by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).