‘Chennai Six’ Britons jailed for firearms released after acquittal

SIX former British soldiers working as part of a private security team protecting ships from piracy have been released from prison in India after serving four years for possessing weapons.

The “Chennai Six”, who had all previously served in either the Parachute or Yorkshire regiments, were acquitted yesterday. Billy Irving, 37, Nick Dunn, 31, John Armstrong, 30, Nicholas Simpson, 47, Ray Tindall, 42, and Paul Towers, 54, were among 35 imprisoned in October 2013 while working as security on commercial ships to protect against pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Their vessel, the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, was boarded by the Indian navy for entering its waters.

All the men worked for Advanfort, a maritime security company. Indian authorities found weapons and ammunition and the men were charged with having illegal firearms. Following a conviction the charges were quashed when the men argued they had the right clearance. But they were re-convicted when a lower court reinstated the charges.

Yvonne Mchugh, the partner of Mr Irving said “We are just waiting to hear how soon they’ll be home.” Lisa Dunn, the sister of Mr Dunn, added: “It will make all of our Christmases.”

A spokesman for Theresa May said: “The Government, from the Prime Minister down, has worked hard for over four years to support the men and their families and we share their happiness at the court’s decision to give a full acquittal to each of the men.”