Emotional homecoming for Co Tyrone man arrested in Dubai

A Co Tyrone man who was arrested in Dubai over a Google review has spoken of a “Christmas miracle” after returning home.

Craig Ballentine (33) was detained in October for online criticism of a dog grooming salon he had previously worked at.

With a travel ban in place, the stop-start process of his trial meant he was facing further months and financial pressure waiting for the case to resolve.

On Thursday, he suddenly received word that the travel ban was lifted.

Stormont department awards £100m contract to roads consultants amid Belfast traffic chaos

Co Tyrone man arrested in Dubai over negative Google review finally on way home

Landing in Dublin via Budapest on Friday morning, he was eventually reunited with his family in Cookstown that afternoon.

While his case had been settled with a fine, an appeal from his former employer means he could still have to return to Dubai early next year.

Speaking to the Irish News, Mr Ballentine said he was exhausted but relieved to be home.

“I just want to rest, I haven’t slept in nearly two days,” he said.

“Just with the stress of everything. It did take time to lift the travel ban.”

This included a last-minute dash to a closing police station to have his papers signed in time to make his flight home.

“It was nerve-wracking, you didn’t know you were going until that immigration gate opened.

“The emotions are still high. I gave an interview at the airport but it’s very hard to chat when you’re all over the place.”

He said Christmas Eve will bring the next court decision about his fine.

“It could be more or less, then the prosecutor has 30 days to appeal that again,” he said.

“If they do, it means I could have to go back in February to finish off the court case unless the judge let’s go of it.”

Failing to return to the country if required, he said, would result in a heavier financial penalty.

On landing in Dublin, he said: “You go from a lot of excitement to feeling dull as you still don’t believe it.

“I would say once I get home to Cookstown, that’s when it will kick in and it will be time for me to de-stress and filter everything.

“It still feels like it didn’t happen, but my partner Sean has told me to be wary of that as I may have a bit of trauma.

“So I’ll try and chat to a few people to understand it all.

“You do look back at it all and just think ‘that is so mental that happened.”

“Once I get back to home I’ll rest for a few days and hopefully get out for a drinks on Christmas Eve and enjoy the festivities with family.

“The support I’ve received has been absolutely fantastic.”