A man returns home for Christmas after being arrested due to a Google review, which spiraled into a living nightmare for him.
A man from Northern Ireland named Craig Ballentine recently made headlines after a troubling experience in Abu Dhabi.
He was arrested after posting a negative Google review about a dog grooming salon where he used to work.
After a challenging few months, he has finally returned home just in time for Christmas.
The man was arrested after leaving one Google review
In October, Craig was at Abu Dhabi airport when he was detained.
This happened after he wrote a critical review of his former employer in Dubai.
Craig had worked at a dog grooming salon for six months in 2023.
During his time there, he needed to take some time off due to illness.
He provided medical certificates to his employer to support his request.
However, despite his efforts, the dog grooming business reported him as “absconded” to the authorities.
This report led to his arrest when he was on vacation in Abu Dhabi.
Craig’s situation quickly turned into a nightmare as he navigated the legal challenges that followed.
The Google review that changed everything
After returning to the UK, Craig wrote a Google review about his experience at the dog grooming salon.
This review was meant to share his honest opinion about his time there. Unfortunately, it resulted in serious consequences.
While Craig was on holiday in Abu Dhabi, he was arrested on slander charges related to the review.
Craig faced a fine and received a one-month ban from using social media.
Although these penalties were difficult, there was a possibility he would have to stay in the UAE for a court hearing early next year.
The uncertainty of his situation weighed heavily on him.
Man reunites with family for Christmas after being arrested over one Google review
Despite these challenges, Craig was able to return home to his family in Northern Ireland on December 19.
He described his arrival at Dublin Airport as overwhelming but joyful.
“It has been a Christmas miracle,” he said.
The happiness hit him as he saw the familiar sights of Dublin from the sky.
Ballentine added: “The happiness kicked in when I just arrived at Dublin Airport when I saw Dublin from the sky, that was it.
“I will have an extra big fry in the next hour or two and then it will be mainly focusing on seeing friends and family.
Once home, Craig looked forward to enjoying time with family and friends.
He planned to indulge in a big fry-up meal and participate in the traditional “12 pubs of Christmas” with friends from Liverpool.
This annual event is a cherished tradition for him, and he was excited to join in after his ordeal.
The community rallied to support Craig during difficulties.
Before Craig could come home, a GoFundMe page was created to help him.
The campaign was titled “Help Bring Craig Home!” and aimed to raise funds to cover his legal fees and other costs related to his arrest.
The page explained how what started as a holiday turned into a “living nightmare” for Craig.
Many people showed their support, and the fundraiser aimed to alleviate the financial burden Craig faced due to his situation.
The community’s response was heartwarming, as many rallied to help him during this difficult time.