Connel man Billy is released from Indian prison nightmare
CONNEL man Billy Irving has been released from an Indian prison after being found not guilty of firearms offences.
Billy and five other British ex-servicemen, known as the Chennai Six, who were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in 2016, were released on Monday (November 27) .
The former paratrooper was working as an armed guard protecting shipping from Somali pirates when he and 34 of his colleagues were arrested in 2013.
They were initially found not guilty of straying into Indian waters with ‘unlicensed weapons’. However, after a lower court appealed the decision, the men were jailed.
Following a long appeal process of their own, the 35-strong crew of the MV Seaman Guard Ohio were finally acquitted this week by the appeal court in India.
Speaking to The Oban Times on Tuesday, Billy’s fiancée, Yvonne MacHugh, said: ‘I still don’t think it’s sunk in. Yesterday I was a big emotional wreck. Today I feel better, but it feels like it’s not happening.
‘To have Billy phone me this morning, to hear his voice, was just amazing. He is in the embassy at the moment and they have given him a celebratory drink.
‘He said when he was told yesterday, he took it with a pinch of salt and carried on with what he was doing in prison – because they have been told that so many times before. It’s unreal. But he is absolutely over the moon.
‘We are waiting for the certified order to come, which should be with us tomorrow and hopefully get him home within the next week or so. The hope for the lawyers and for the Foreign Office is to get them out of there as soon as possible.’
Including the Chennai Six, 35 men in total were arrested – 14 Estonians, 12 Indians and three Ukrainians.
The terminally-ill Ukranian captain was repatriated on Monday November 20.
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell said: ‘I am delighted that at last there is good news. Yvonne and those she has inspired, cajoled, persuaded and sometimes shamed into support have formed an increasingly loud body of people demanding justice.
‘That ensured that Billy and his colleagues have always been at the forefront of the news. Their determination finally paid off today and everyone will want to see Billy home and the family putting this nightmare behind them.’
Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara echoed Mr Russell in welcoming the news. He said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that justice has finally been done for Billy Irving and the rest of his shipmates.
‘The past few years have been immensely stressful for all the families of the Chennai Six but, if I may, I’d like to pay a special tribute to Yvonne MacHugh, Billy’s fiancee, who has been an inspiration ever since I first became involved in this case back in 2015. She has been a relentless champion for Billy and the others, taking the fight right to the Prime Minister’s front door and it has been a privilege to work alongside her.
‘Now I’m looking forward to hearing that Billy is finally on a plane home to be with his family again and he can, once and for all, put this nightmare behind him.’
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnston said: ‘This case has been a top priority for everybody at the Foreign Office and today’s verdict is fantastic news.
‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families. I share their delight and I hope they can return home as soon as possible.’
The Chennai Six will be treated to a welcome home party after a man set up a crowdfunding page.
Jordan Wylie initially wanted to raise £1,000 to ensure the men ‘had a pint waiting for them on their return to the UK’, and at the time of going to print he had raised £1,560.
To donate, visit www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/chennai6 needapint