Karl Andree

An elderly Briton who went home on Thursday after Saudi Arabia released him says he is “ashamed and embarrassed” about the actions that led to his arrest, according to The Telegraph.

Karl Andree, 74, who was behind bars for being caught with homemade wine in Jeddah, said the early stages surrounding his arrest left him feeling “embarrassed.”

He added: “It’s that shame and humiliation which is the worst part and it didn’t go away quickly, it kept me awake at night. I feel sad I’ve lost a whole year of my life, basically, and that to the twilight of my years — it saddens me actually.”

He said: “If I’d given it a bit of thought I wouldn’t be in this position.”

But he added he has a “lovely” family who is supporting him at home and he will do “something to rebuild my life.”

He said: “Thank you for all your efforts on my behalf. (Prime Minister) David Cameron and (Foreign Secretary) Philip Hammond took time out of their busy schedules to deal with my case and I appreciate that greatly, and also the Saudis for cooperating.”

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