A British MMA fighter who has been locked up for 19 years in a Moroccan prison is pleading for the UK government to help him be pardoned this week.
Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani was jailed after nabbing £53m from the Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent, in February 2006.
At the time, it was the UK’s largest cash heist.
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He was arrested at a shopping centre in Rabat, Morocco, following the robbery and was initially sentenced to 10 years.
On 30 November 2010, though, this was extended to 25 years.
He was placed behind bars in Tiflet, northwestern Morocco and isn’t expected to be released until at least 2035, reports Need To Know.
Now, though, he’s hoping to be pardoned this week – along with 20,000 other prisoners – as part of the annual Throne Day celebrations on Wednesday (30 July).
Lee and his family are pleading for the UK government to intervene urgently to help his case.
His wife, Nicola Murray, said: “Lee is suffering serious health problems after 19 years in harsh conditions.
“He’s never even held his granddaughter.
“Other prisoners with far more serious convictions have been pardoned.
“Why is Lee always left out?
“We are begging the UK government to help us bring him home before it’s too late.”
Letters have been sent to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Special MENA Representative Hamish Falconer ahead of the mass clemency announcement.
On a call from prison, Lee said: “I’ve watched my children grow up in photos.
“I’ve never even held my granddaughter.
‘I’ve served my time.
“I just want a chance to come home and rebuild my life.”
Lee, who fought with Jorge Rivera and Anderson Silva, ended his UFC career after being stabbed during a brawl at Towie star Lauren Pope’s birthday party in 2005.
Despite being behind bars, he fathered a child in 2010.
“We’ve seen convicted terrorists and killers released early from UK prisons,” Radha Stirling, founder of Due Process International and Detained in Dubai, said.
“And Morocco has pardoned offenders of all kinds, yet Lee Murray remains imprisoned after 19 years.
“The UK effectively outsourced its prosecution, and now it must step up and support clemency.
“The country has a duty to its own citizens, and we are calling on the British government to support Lee’s clemency request.
“He deserves a chance to rebuild his life.”
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