Cerys Nelmes: British comedian faces jail in Turkey over accidental shoplifting incident at Istanbul Zara

Cerys Nelmes was taken into custody on Tuesday after what she said was a "disgraceful mistake" when she walked out the store in Istanbul with several pieces of clothing and later realised she had not paid.

Despite returning to the store, claiming she had returned the items and wanted to pay, Nelmes was seized for shoplifting.

The English stand-up comic, who is one of the rising names on the Bristol comedy scene, explained the incident in a social media post saying: "On Tuesday I left a Zara store in Istanbul without paying for items.

"I returned straight away and handed the items to staff. I was asked to pay and I said I would and the manager accepted this.

"To cut a long story short I was then taken to a locked room where hours later after no communication from anyone I was taken away by police and held in a police station and was asked to sign things I couldn't read.

"I was put in a prison cell for 24 hours with no food or toilet facilities. When I asked for water, I was told they didn't understand me."

The next day, Nelmes was brought before a judge who ordered her release but banned her from leaving the country.

She now faces a potential three-year prison sentence and is forced to stay in Turkey while the incident is being investigated.

The comedian has asked for public support following the mishap and fears she might lose her home in the UK where she lives with her son, as the ongoing court proceedings are causing her to lose work and earnings.

She is also unable to afford accommodation in the foreign country where she only went on a short holiday, but said she was thankfully offered a place to stay by locals.

She added: "I am ok and have been taken in by a Turkish family who have given me a bed and food. I don't deserve all the kind words from people but I am very grateful."

The British Embassy said in a short statement that they are providing their support.

Story: NewsX