A Witney businessman's hopes of being reunited with his family for the New Year have been dashed by Middle Eastern appeal judges on Christmas Day.

Jonathan Brown, 55, has been unable to pay a £10,000 fine, imposed by an Oman civil court two years ago. He had claimed that money from a joint British-Omani development programme had been illegally withdrawn from a bank account.

Mr Brown was banned from leaving the country but, under Oman law, is not allowed to work in the country to earn the money to pay the fine. He and his second wife Maryette have since relied on the hospitality of friends.

The travel ban stopped him attending the funeral of his mother, Ruth Brown, who died in May. He has also not seen his four children from his first marriage, who live in Swindon.

Wednesday's appeal was dismissed by seven judges.

Mr Brown said: "If it weren't all so tragic it would be funny.

"I am going back to the British Embassy on Saturday and am in contact by e-mail with Witney MP David Cameron. When will the British Government formally complain about this appalling abuse of my human rights?"