The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Hopes north man could be released from Indian prison
Concern: Fiancee worries for ex-soldier over HIV, leprosy and snakes risk
A court hearing today could lead to an ex-soldier from Argyll being released from an Indian jail on bail within days.
Billy Irving’s terrified fiancee Yvonne MacHugh is praying for his release.
She lives in fear for his health as he spends his days in a prison where large numbers of prisoners suffer from HIV, hepatitis and leprosy.
In a letter from the former para of Connel, near Oban, she learned that he recently found two cobras in his cell.
Mr Irving was jailed for five years alongside five other veterans accused of carrying weapons into the India illegally.
Lawyers at the High Court in Madurai, who have presented documents which they say prove they had permission for the weapons, will plead for bail pending an appeal.
The men were arrested on the anti-piracy ship MV Seaman Guard Ohioon October 12, 2013.
They were working for the American firm AdvanFort providing anti-piracy protection in the Indian Ocean when their ship was detained.
If granted bail today they could be out of Chennai Prison within 10 days, however they would be unable to leave India.
Miss MacHugh said: “I am extremely concerned about his health.
“Billy mentally can handle this, I’m not worried in that sense. It is his health that is my main concern.
“When you walk into the prison there is a board that tells you how many of the prisoners in there have HIV and Aids. Hepatitis is rife and there a real so prisoners with leprosy.
“Billy found two cobras in his cell. It is my biggest worry something is going to happen and they won’t get treatment in time.”
She added: “The men have still not had any blood tests.
“They didn’t know they were going to India so Billy didn’t have any of the injections for India.”
Speaking about today’s hearing, she said: “I am just hoping the right verdict is given and they at least get out on bail and we can begin the appeal process knowing they are safe and out of prison.
“At least he would be out of prison and we would be able to phone him and Skype him.”
A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We recognise what a difficult time this is for those involved. Our ministers have taken significant action in this case, raising it at the highest levels in the Indian government, and will continue to do so.
“Our staff in India and the UK have also been in regular contact with all six men since their arrest and are continuing to support them and their families, working to make sure their welfare is protected.”
“Billy mentally can handle this, I’m not worried in that sense. It is his health”