Hotel guest, identified as a British woman, reportedly caused damage to multiple rooms and subsequently requested monetary contributions.
A 32-year-old mother from Rochdale, Manchester, named Georgia Harrison, has been stranded in Turkey for nearly two months due to a travel ban following an incident at a hotel. The incident occurred on May 6, when Harrison and her partner, Arron Tighe, were celebrating in the Lexia Hotel in Antalya.
According to reports, the couple consumed cocktails and vodka, which led to a tragic turn of events. Harrison admits to mixing alcohol with antipsychotic medication, causing her to blackout. As a result, the hotel room was extensively damaged, including the shower cabin, LCD TV, external window, wall fittings, lighting systems, and requiring complete repainting due to traces of drinks and food on the ceiling and walls.
The hotel's damage claim is based on specially made furniture and a one-month repair period. The hotel spokesperson stated that the room couldn't be rented to customers for a month. Images of the destruction caused by Harrison and Tighe have been published, showing the extent of the damage.
Harrison initially only admitted to damaging the shower cabin before the full extent of the destruction was known. After the incident, the couple tried to take a taxi to the airport the next morning. However, hotel staff followed the vehicle and alerted the police, who arrested the couple before they could leave.
A judge imposed a travel ban on Harrison until the damages are paid. Harrison is also accused of resisting state authority by refusing to answer questions. Despite these allegations, Harrison insists she's not a hardened criminal, but made a serious mistake she can't remember.
Harrison has attempted to leave the country multiple times, both by plane and by boat to Greece, but was stopped at passport control each time. This situation has kept her separated from her 12-year-old daughter for almost two months. Harrison's daughter, Poppy, calls daily from England, asking when her mother will return.
In a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign, Harrison wrote: "It breaks my heart. Sometimes I think I'll never see her again. I'm so ashamed, but my daughter needs me." Harrison has already spent over €8,000 on hotels and living expenses.
Harrison's UK lawyer advised offering £3,000 since the actual damages are estimated closer to £1,000, but no resolution has been reached yet. The hotel requires £15,000 in damages to be paid in court before the travel ban will be lifted.
Various allegations have surfaced around the case, including concerns about potential threats and issues with the translator. However, Harrison remains focused on resolving the matter to return home to her daughter. The British embassy has referred Harrison and her partner to a lawyer, but the travel ban couldn't be overturned.
As Harrison's ordeal continues, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible drinking and the potential consequences of mixing alcohol with medication. Harrison's hope is to reunite with her daughter soon and put this difficult chapter behind her.
The community and employment policies of the UK government, as well as international political discussions, have been sparked by Georgia Harrison's ongoing ordeal in Turkey. This general-news story involving a mother stranded for over two months due to a travel ban highlights the need for awareness and understanding regarding responsible drinking, particularly when combined with medication, to prevent similar incidents.
