Chennai Six: Families' relief as men are cleared of weapons charges in India
The six former British soldiers win their appeal after being jailed in 2013 while working as security guards on anti-piracy ships.
Monday 27 November 2017 22:47, UK
The families of six former British soldiers held in prison in India have spoken of their relief after they were acquitted of weapons charges.
But after a four-year legal battle, the men - who have consistently denied the charges - were found not guilty by India's Appeal Court.
Yvonne MacHugh, the partner of one of the former soldiers, Billy Irving, described the court ruling as a "dream come true".
"We are just waiting to hear how soon they'll be home," she said.
The family of another detainee, Nick Dunn, had gathered together in Northumberland to hear the court ruling.
His sister Lisa said: "It will make all of our Christmases, all of our dreams have come true today."
Mr Dunn's father, Jim, added: "Absolutely fantastic, the best news in the world."
They were among 35 men arrested while working aboard the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, a vessel owned by an American company offering armed protection services to ships travelling between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The charges were overturned when the men showed papers for the weapons had been issued by the British government and that they were lawfully held for anti-piracy security.
However, a lower court in India reinstated the charges against the men, leading to their conviction in January 2016 when they were sentenced to five years.
Following their acquittals, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson described the court ruling as "fantastic news".
"The FCO has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families. The importance the UK Government places on their case cannot be overstated," he said.
"The men, their families and their supporters, who have campaigned unrelentingly, must be overjoyed.
"I share their delight and I hope they can return home as soon as possible."