74-year-old Briton facing 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia

The British Government has been asked to intervene in the case of a 74-year-old cancer survivor sentenced to 350 lashes in Saudi Arabia.

Karl Andree was jailed for 12 months after being caught with illegal alcohol.

His family said he may not survive the physical punishment that will follow his custodial term and have asked the British Government to call for a halt to it.

Mr Andree's younger son Simon told The Sun: "Until his arrest, he has always been happy working there and felt safe.

"He is 74 years of age, has had cancer three times and his wife is dying in a home in the UK.

"He now needs medical care for his cancer and asthma, and there is no doubt in our mind that 350 lashes will kill him."

The grandfather of seven has lived in the Middle East for the last 25 years, having worked in the oil industry.

He was arrested in Jeddah in August last year after bottles of hooch were discovered by police, according to the newspaper.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Our embassy staff are continuing to assist Mr Andree, including regular visits to check on his welfare, and frequent contact with his lawyer and family.

"Ministers and senior officials have raised Mr Andree's case with the Saudi government and we are actively seeking his release as soon as possible."