Royal Pardon Granted to Brit Sailor Wrongfully Imprisoned in Bahrain
The King of Bahrain has graciously granted a royal pardon to 22-year-old British sailor Owen Haggerty, who was unjustly imprisoned for attempting to intervene in a street altercation. Haggerty, a member of the Royal Navy, found himself sentenced to three months in a harsh Bahraini prison, where he was incarcerated alongside violent offenders, including murderers and rapists. The King’s decision came after an emotional plea from Haggerty’s mother, Kirsty Reynolds, who fervently sought mercy for her son.
Upon receiving the astonishing news of her son’s release, Reynolds was overwhelmed with emotion, stating, “I can’t stop shaking. It is unbelievable news; it represents such a significant hurdle that we have overcome in our fight to bring Owen home.” She recounted the moment she learned of the royal pardon, saying, “I opened my laptop, and it said ‘urgent call for Owen Haggerty.’ My caseworker approached me with the great news, and I just burst into tears. I was in disbelief. I sent a letter last Monday, and today we have a royal pardon.”
Local Member of Parliament Johanna Baxter expressed her relief, stating, “I am very pleased that he has been granted a royal pardon by the King of Bahrain.” Baxter raised the issue in Parliament, highlighting her frustration with the UK Government’s lack of communication regarding Haggerty’s welfare while he was imprisoned. She lamented, “No one would engage with me to inform me of his welfare or the current status of his case, simply because I did not have his explicit consent. Meanwhile, he was sitting in a jail in Bahrain.” Despite having the consent of Reynolds, Haggerty’s mother and a constituent, Baxter found herself unable to obtain any information.
Owen Haggerty, hailing from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, was arrested last month while trying to break up a street fight, just a day before his scheduled return from a deployment in the Middle East. The young sailor, who joined the Royal Navy in 2021, had expressed excitement about his travels and experiences in Bahrain, declaring he was “having the time of his life” before his abrupt incarceration.
During his brief court proceeding, Haggerty received a three-month sentence in the notorious Hidd prison, with his family revealing that he was not even given the opportunity to defend himself. His older brother, Jack, traveled to Bahrain to provide support during this troubling time. The family dedicated over £4,000 to legal fees in their relentless pursuit to secure Owen’s release and bring their “terrified” son back home.
Kirsty Reynolds mentioned, “The caseworker advised us to remain patient for the moment; there are still a few procedures that need to be followed at the prison. Prior to the royal pardon, the Navy expressed their eagerness to bring him back and ensure his well-being. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, and we have never given up on getting Owen out of prison.”
As the family awaits Owen’s return, they remain hopeful for a joyful reunion, buoyed by the King’s act of kindness and the tireless efforts of those who advocated on his behalf.
