Anna Bartlett had her sentence cut to 10 years

Anna Bartlett, from Southend, Essex, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates two and a half years ago.

In May 2001, Ms Bartlett, also known as Anna Hamilton, was sentenced to 25 years without parole for importing cocaine and hashish with intent to supply.

She pleaded guilty to importing the drugs but not guilty to intent to supply.

However, judges were not convinced and she was sent to a prison in the tiny northern emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah - one of seven members making up the United Arab Emirates.

At an appeal hearing in October 2001, judges in Dubai cut her sentence from 25 to 10.

Ms Bartlett has now been granted a pardon by the Royal family of Ras Al-Khaimah.

It is believed this is as a result of many months of negotiations by her family.