A BRIT tourist was allegedly jailed in Morocco for filming himself giving donations to children as his mum describes the horrific ordeal.
Sam Rushton, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was holidaying in Marrakesh with his brother Jack when the nightmare unfolded.
The 20-year-old carer had raised money through social media to buy basic supplies like nappies and milk for local children he saw begging on the street.
But after filming himself handing out the donations, he was arrested by cops on March 5.
Authorities accused the lad of “bringing shame” on the country and recording children without their consent.
He was hauled into jail where he was kept for several hours, his passport and phone were seized and not returned for days.
Sam’s mum, Rachael Rushton, said the horror situation began when he came across two 15-year-old boys begging.
One of the boys spoke English and helped Sam with translation.
In return Sam offered to buy the youngster something from the shop, and he chose powdered milk.
When he offered the same to the boys friend he chose cooking oil, Rachael said.
She told The Daily Mail: “This interaction must have played on Sam’s mind all day, because he later rang me and said, ‘Mum, what 15-year-olds choose powdered milk and cooking oil? If you were in the UK, they’d probably want sweets and biscuits.’”
Later on, Sam took to Instagram to share the story and ask for donations to help buy food and supplies for the children.
Rachael said her son received eager donations from Facebook friends and the public.
“He then recorded himself buying all these things and one of the kids helped to carry the bags – there was a lot of stuff, like basics and supplies for babies”, Rachael said.
Adding: “He was just filming this to prove to people back here who donated that he didn’t do a fast one with the money and actually spent it on the kids!”
But suddenly cops swooped on Sam after catching him in the act.
His phone was seized, leaving him with no form of communication or funds to support himself after he was released from seven long hours in a cell.
Rachael told the outlet of her crippling anxiety at the prospect of her son not returning to Britain.
Sam was allegedly told by local authorities that he would face a Moroccan judge.
Jumping to action, Rachel launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise funds for Sam’s food and a lawyer.
“Sam was struggling with understanding the lawyers and local authorities in Morocco because they say they speak English, yet there was still a clear language barrier”, she told the outlet.
Rachel said her son was moving from hotel to hotel before he was finally told he could return to the UK.
After securing a lawyer, it was confirmed the hearing would be adjourned until April.
Finally on March 14 Sam touched down at Manchester Airport.
Writing on her GoFundMe page, which raised more than £2,500, Rachel said: “After a long week of not knowing if Sam would be able to Come home, he touched down at Manchester Airport at 16.40.
“I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support, without all of you Sam wouldn’t be back home where he belongs.”
Later in a social media post on Instagram, Sam thanked his supporters.
He wrote: “On my way back to Ashton now thank god, the lawyer managed to sort some things out so I could leave and he will represent me in court on Monday.
“Wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for everyone’s help, thank you everyone.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson confirmed the department supported “the family of a British man detained in Morocco’” and had been in contact with the local authorities.
