A heartbroken family whose daughter was raped and murdered in Qatar has accused David Beckham of ‘naivety’ over his £150million World Cup deal – asking ‘How can he think it is a safe place for people to go?’.
Alison Patterson (56) a mother in grief, felt that England’s football captain put money ahead of human rights.
Lauren, Lauren’s daughter was a teacher at Doha’s primary school when Lauren disappeared in October 2013.
Her body was found in the desert after she was raped and murdered by Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr.
Lauren’s family were told he would face the death sentence but was given a paltry ten-and-a-half year jail sentence and her family offered just £200,000 compensation, which barely covers their legal, travel and accommodation costs so far.
And as they pursued further civil legal action they were stunned when Beckham was announced as the face of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the country for a reported £150million over ten years.
The family felt it was a rude slap on the face. They feel that they were unable to obtain justice from the country for their daughter.
Alison, a mother-of-three said that David Beckham does a great job for football. But he should also look into the human rights situation in Qatar. He is being very naïve.
Lauren Patterson, 24, was 24 when Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr brutally raped Lauren Patterson and murdered her in Doha.
Alison Patterson and Kevin Crotty were devastated by court proceedings.
David Beckham, Qatari track and fields athlete Mutaz Dassa Barshim (centre), at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Countdown
Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr got a paltry ten-and-a-half year sentence and Lauren’s family just £200k compensation
“He must have heard of Lauren. He must have seen the many other things out there.
“I do not understand how he could represent a country which cannot provide justice.
“To serve as ambassador for Qatar, is to tell all those who admire Beckham that it’s okay out there.
“I’d love to be able to ask him why he’s doing it. Is it possible to represent Qatar in a position like this when you have all of these other things happening behind the scenes?
“Do you believe Qatar is safe for tourists to visit?
Lauren was reported missing by Alison Crotty (60), a retired bond broker and husband Kevin Crotty. The British Consul advised them that the body of an elderly woman, badly burned, had been located in the Middle East desert.
The couple was told that identifying the remains would prove too difficult. Alison provided a DNA sample to police which confirmed the identity of Lauren.
Abdallah al-Jabr who was present with her that night was taken into custody. His parents were then informed that he will be sentenced to death for the murder of their daughter.
When Lauren went missing Alison and her retired bond broker husband Kevin Crotty, 60, flew out to the Middle East
Lauren Patterson’s family, who is still grieving for Lauren Patterson after her death in 2013, have been fighting for justice but have not received any.
Lauren Patterson was a teacher in a Doha primary school, when she disappeared in October 2013.
Lauren’s stepdad Lauren fear that al-Jabr may soon be released after Lauren was given only 10-and-a-half years to forcibly murder Alison, Kevin and Kevin.
They’re furious Beckham, a former Manchester Utd player, has backed Qatari footballer Lauren.
Alison, an ex-reflexologist and mother of her youngest child was giving birth at London’s Portland Hospital. Victoria Beckham was in Brooklyn having Brooklyn.
“Lauren, a 10-year-old girl at that time, was in the same night Brooklyn was born. She met David Beckham by way of a lift.
“She was very in awe at him and his wife being part of the Spice Girls.
Beckham’s deal has been criticized severely. It was also claimed that his team wanted to keep the details secret as much as possible.
He is expected to promote Qatari culture and tourism over the next ten years, as well as the World Cup.
Alison and Kevin have filed civil action against Qatari authorities at the civil courts for their criminal incompetences
After Lauren Patterson’s murder in Doha, there was only a one percent chance of her body ever being found.
Abdallah al-Jabr was sentenced to death, but the sentence was later reduced by just over 10 years.
Lauren’s loss, shown here in a photo with a friend is very much felt throughout the year, but especially at Christmas when her family feels it most strongly.
Lauren’s parents have moved to Pembrokeshire in West Wales to live with their aging parents. They urged Beckham today to reconsider his affiliation to Qatar.
Alison said, “He was brought in to make something that is wrong appear right.” He needs to think twice.
“He promotes it as safe, but we don’t believe it to be.”
The couple is fighting for Lauren’s justice and vow to never stop.
They have been to Qatar over 30 times in the past eight years. Their daughter was murdered at court.
Jabr was sentenced to death in March 2014 after Lauren’s suicide was described by the public prosecutor as ‘heinous’ and’shocking’ for Qatar society.
Alison was asked by Jabr to choose between’retribution or compensation’ and ‘forgiveness’. She stood in front of the courtroom and stated that she did not forgive the judge for the death sentence.
However, in May 2018, the Court of Cassation overturned the decision. This Court is the highest level of Qatari judiciary system.
They have sent letters by hand to Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani (the Emir of Qatar) asking for his intervention in this case, but they never received any response.
Alison explained that she and her husband made the conscious decision to observe their laws, systems, and we did not want to disrupt the ship.
“But it’s absurd and parents shouldn’t be subject to what we have endured in the past eight years.”
“A reenactment video of my daughter was shown to me at a court hearing. I stood next to her killer during one court hearing.
«I was literally glued to the screen to witness Lauren do everything he wanted to to Lauren. I felt so close that I almost could touch him.
“It was all written in Arabic. I remember standing there, and my legs felt like jelly.
“Kevin was not permitted to hold me hand, or to stand beside me to support my position. You’re not allowed do that here.”
Jabr wasn’t to be executed, but they hoped that the death penalty would lead to Jabr being locked up for life.
They have received a message saying that he might be freed in 2023, only months after the World Cup.
Alison stated that he was not worthy of his freedom for what he did or the manner in which he did.
“He is dangerous, but if you have the mentality to do so again then he can.
“When a man is liberated, he can marry and have children. He can live the life he deserves.
“Lauren was a woman who had all she wanted, but will never experience it.” It’s all gone.
“Two her close friends will be getting married in this year. I cannot help but wonder if Lauren could have done that.”
More than £40,000 was raised through an online Justice for Lauren appeal, the couple have downsized their home and taken out loans.
Alison stated, “On multiple occasions, I thought that I couldn’t do it anymore, the constant fights, the back, and visits to Qatar.
“For the past eight years my whole life, I have been trying to do justice for Lauren. It doesn’t stop.
Lauren deserves justice. However, if you’re honest with me, I doubt that this will ever be possible.
Officials from Qatar affirmed that the country is safe, and they said that their thoughts and prayers were with Lauren’s loved ones.
“Crime prevention and the protection of women’s safety in Qatar has always been a priority,” they said. This is reflected in the fact that Qatar has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest countries.
“We will continue to enforce protections for women, and provide access to justice. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they continue to mourn their loss.’
Beckham representatives were unable to respond.