A 23-year-old British social media influencer has been charged with murder in Dubai after the death of her boyfriend, a case that has drawn significant attention in both the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Brooke George, originally from Gravesend in Kent, was arrested earlier this week while attempting to board a flight back to London. Authorities allege she fatally stabbed 26-year-old William Treeby with a kitchen knife following an incident at his apartment.
George maintains that she acted in self-defence after allegedly being assaulted by Treeby.
Mother Describes Emotional Final Conversation
George’s mother, Tess George, says she spoke with her daughter just hours before the fatal incident and claims the young woman was visibly frightened during the call.
According to her mother, Brooke was crying uncontrollably and repeatedly expressed fear while speaking from a bar in Dubai. She said her daughter appeared desperate to return home to Britain and sounded unlike herself.
Tess George said she later noticed that Brooke had suffered visible facial injuries, including a badly swollen eye, which she believes supports her daughter’s account that violence had occurred before the stabbing.
Romance Began Online Before Moving to Dubai
The relationship reportedly began only a few months ago after Brooke and William met online.
According to her family, Treeby quickly introduced Brooke to relatives in England before inviting her to Dubai, where he allegedly promised her a glamorous lifestyle, luxury experiences and opportunities in the modelling industry.
During her first visit, Brooke reportedly enjoyed high-end restaurants and exclusive beach clubs, leading her to believe she had found the partner she had been hoping for.
She later returned to Dubai, but her family says the relationship deteriorated rapidly during the second trip.
Passport Dispute Allegedly Led to Violent Confrontation
George claims the fatal confrontation happened after she decided to leave Dubai and return to the UK.
Her family says she had booked a flight home after becoming unhappy in the relationship and alleges that Treeby refused to hand over her passport. They claim the couple argued after a night out before the situation escalated.
According to George’s account, Treeby allegedly assaulted her inside a vehicle before the confrontation continued at his apartment, where she says she stabbed him while fearing for her safety.
Arrest at Airport After Attempt to Leave the Country
Following the incident, George travelled to Dubai International Airport intending to return to Britain.
However, airport security reportedly noticed injuries on her body during routine procedures, leading to her detention by authorities. She was later arrested and formally charged with murder.
Under the UAE’s legal system, the offence carries severe penalties. Her family fears that, if convicted, she could face the death penalty or spend the remainder of her life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Family Raises Concerns About Legal Process
Tess George has expressed concern over her daughter’s treatment while in custody.
She claims Brooke has not yet been given access to legal representation and has struggled to understand proceedings because she does not speak Arabic. The family also alleges she signed documents without fully understanding their contents.
In addition, they say Brooke has been held in a crowded police cell and have voiced worries about her welfare as the investigation continues.
Advocacy Group Calls for Domestic Violence Claims to Be Examined
Radha Stirling, chief executive of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, has become involved in the case and is supporting George.
Stirling argues that investigators should fully examine Brooke’s claims that she was the victim of domestic violence before reaching any conclusions.
She said George insists she acted only after fearing for her own life and believes authorities should consider those allegations carefully throughout the legal process.
The advocacy group says it will continue working to ensure George receives legal assistance and a fair trial.
Both Families Left Devastated by the Tragedy
While Brooke’s relatives continue fundraising to cover legal expenses in Dubai, William Treeby’s family has shared emotional tributes following his death.
His mother described herself as heartbroken, while his sister remembered him as not only her brother but also her closest friend, expressing the family’s grief over the loss.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the detained British citizen and remains in contact with local authorities as legal proceedings move forward.
The case continues to attract international attention as investigators in Dubai prepare for the next stages of the prosecution while George maintains that the fatal stabbing occurred in self-defence.
