Spotters 'could be released by Xmas'

HOPES were rising last night that the British plane-spotters held in Greece on spying charges could be home in time for Christmas.

MEP Richard Howitt, who has been campaigning for their release, said a panel of Greek judges was expected to consider the evidence against the group in the next few days. "It's been confirmed by two sources that the prosecutor's report has been handed over to the judges," he said.

"And it now seems likely that they will consider the evidence by the middle of this week."

He added: "I can't believe that when the judges look at the evidence that they can come to any other conclusion that the charges should be dropped. It has been a very frustrating process and I can understand why these people are angry. It is a slow legal system.

"I cannot see any reason why they won't be home for Christmas."

The 12 Britons arrested a month ago have always denied Greek claims that they ignored earlier warnings not to take photos or notes about planes during a tour of airshows and bases.

Early last week relatives travelled to Greece to visit the group amid concerns about the only woman being held, 51-year-old grandmother Lesley Coppin, who is in a separate prison and is sharing a cell with 17 other women.

Albert Coppin, 71, Lesley's father-in-law, said: "The Greek justice system shuts down on December 20 and does not start up again until January 7. If something isn't done by then, they are going to be spending Christmas in jail."

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