A British academic has been sentenced by an Abu Dhabi court to life in prison for allegedly spying for the UK government, in a shock decision which Jeremy Hunt, Foreign Secretary, warned would have “serious diplomatic consequences” for the allies.

Matthew Hedges, 31, who was studying for a PhD at Durham University, was arrested at Dubai airport on May 5 after a research trip and later accused of espionage.

A representative for the family said his lawyer was not in court on Wednesday to represent him and the trial lasted just five minutes.

UAE attorney general Hamad al-Shamsi said on Wednesday that Hedges was handed a life sentence after "the defendant admitted before the court to the charges brought against him by the public prosecution", according to a statement carried by the official news agency WAM.

He added that the ruling "was not final" as Hedges has the right to appeal against the verdict before the Federal Supreme Court.

Daniela Tejada, Mr Hedges’ wife, said that her husband is unable to speak Arabic, so was not able to consult properly with his legal team during proceedings.

Ms Tejada, who was present in the courtroom, said she was in "complete shock" and maintained Mr Hedge's innocence.