Saudi flogging reprieve granddad thanks supporters

A British grandfather sentenced to a flogging for breaking Saudi Arabia‘s strict anti-alcohol laws said he is “humbled” after being reunited with his family in the UK.

Karl Andree who had been threatened with 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia after being caught with home-made wine. Image by PA Wire

Karl Andree, 74, was threatened with a public lashing after he was caught with home-made wine in Jeddah.

He was put on a plane to Britain on Tuesday night after being freed from a Saudi prison, where he had been locked up since August last year.

Speaking after a tearful reunion with his family, the grandfather-of-seven said he is looking forward to “rebuilding my life”.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for such incredible support. Who knows if I would have got out of the Saudi jail or escaped 378 lashes in a public flogging without this backing?” he told The Sun.

Undated family handout photo of Simon Andree (left) with his father Karl Andree who had been threatened with 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia after being caught with home-made wine. Image by PA Wire

“I am overwhelmed by the support and am grateful to Prime Minister David Cameron and the Government for stepping in.

“I am truly humbled and will never forget the love and support of so many people in getting me home.”

Mr Andree’s flogging sentence was dropped after his family launched a campaign for his release on compassionate grounds because his wife Verity is dying of Alzheimer’s and is in Britain receiving care.

He had lived in the Middle East for the last 25 years, having worked in the oil industry.

See also: Family begs Saudi Arabia not to lash granddad who had homemade wine

(Press Association)