Music mogul Simon Cowell came to the rescue of a father-to-be by giving him a lift on his private jet when his girlfriend went into labour, it emerged today.

The fate of the British plane spotters convicted of spying in Greece was tonight hanging in the balance after the public prosecutor recommended half should be acquitted but left the others still facing prison terms.

Lawyers for six British plane-spotters found guilty of spying charges in Greece have launched an appeal.

An assessment of the evidence against a 14-strong group of plane spotters detained in Greece accused of spying was due to be presented to three judges today.