British plane spotters return home

The twelve plane spotters held in Greece accused of spying have landed back in Britain.

They have been released on bail after five weeks in prison.

However, the group have to return to Greece next year to stand trial on allegations of gathering secret information.

One of those arrested, Peter Norris, described their shock on being arrested at a Greek military airport over a month ago.

He said they had visited three airfields on the day of the arrests and had official invitiations to be at the open days. “To get stopped and be accused of photography was a bit of a hock”.

Mr Norris added that the Greek airforce is very interesting because it operates a number of aircraft hat other airforces in Europe do not, “they have got very old 1950s and 1960s fighters”.

He added hat they were amazed when they were told they were to face spying charges and that the Greek authorities had taken the films out of the camera and developed them.

“They knew there were no photographs taken at any Greek military airfield”.

All twelve are relived to be home and are now planning a defence against their charges.