Nick’s big day
CHENNAI SIX EX-SOLDIER MOVED TO TEARS BY PARTY
MONTHS on from the end of his Indian prison nightmare, this is the moment Nick Dunn was moved to tears by a belated birthday party.
Family and friends gathered at The Station Lounge in Ashington, Northumberland, yesterday for the surprise party
The former paratrooper was part of the so-called ‘Chennai Six,’ who were acquitted of weapons charges last December – more than four years after being arrested in India.
The 32-year-old celebrated his birthday – his first back in the UK since his release – at home with family on March 1.
And four months after his return, Nick was overcome with emotion at seeing all of his family and friends waiting for him at the pub. Nick said: “It was truly amazing, I wasn’t expecting that at all.
“I was expecting to just walk in and be part of the family to wish my cousin a happy birthday.
“But to stand there and have everyone wish me a happy birthday was very shocking in a very good way.
Sister Lisa, 38, added: “I’ve got no idea how I managed to keep it a secret for so long, but I did it and I’m quite pleased.
“I’m surprised I didn’t let the cat out of the bag but it made it more special.”
Nick, from Ashington, returned to the UK on December 7 and was greeted at Newcastle Airport by family and friends. The Chennai Six were released from prison on bail two years ago after their convictions were quashed. But they were sent back to jail when a lower court reinstated a prosecution and they were convicted and sentenced to five years. The men insisted they had been granted permits by the UK Government, which the head of export controls eventually confirmed to the Indian authorities. After years of campaigning, the ex-British soldiers won an appeal against their convictions and were given permission to leave India.
It was amazing... I was expecting to just walk in and be part of the family to wish my cousin a happy birthday. Nick Dunn