Karl Andree returns to UK after release from Saudi Arabian prison

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond announced Mr Andree’s release last month

Seventy four-year-old Mr Andree was arrested by Saudi religious police for possessing alcohol

The British grandfather, Karl Andree, has returned to the UK after being freed from a Saudi Arabian prison.

Seventy four-year-old Mr Andree was arrested by Saudi religious police for possessing alcohol in the Middle Eastern country.

Mr Andree was released from prison last night and swiftly put on a plane to Britain.

Mr Andree told The Sun: “It is so emotional to be back.

“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"

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond announced Mr Andree’s release last month.

The 74-year-old former oil executive has been behind bars for 14 months after being found with home-made wine in his car.

He was sentenced to 350 lashes by Saudi police, however his family warned the punishment could kill him as he is already weak after suffering three bouts of cancer.

Mr Hammond described the planned release as a “good outcome”, adding it had been achieved through the “strength, depth and breadth” of Anglo-Saudi relations.

More than 230,000 people signed a petition urging David Cameron to intervene in the case and three of Mr Andree’s grandchildren appealed to the Prime Minister in a video message, in which they said “no human deserves to be treated like this”.