Man home after arrest for patting guard in airport

A BRITISH father-of-four who was detained in Egypt for “patting” a male airport security guard on the back says he is “very tired” but happy to be home.

Tony Camoccio, 51, arrived back on British soil yesterday afternoon and was met by a crowd of family and friends ready to celebrate his return.

Supporters of the London businessman had feared he would be falsely accused of sexual assault after the alleged incident at Hurghada International Airport on February 8.

Mr Camoccio flew back yesterday with his Easyjet flight EZY9862 touching down at London Gatwick at about 1pm.

Speaking as he was congratulated by half a dozen well-wishers, Mr Camoccio said: “I am tired, very tired. We just want to get home. I just want to thank everybody but I’ve got to get back.

“I’ve got a really sore throat. But I just want to say thank you to everybody. All of my family are here.”

Mr Camoccio, who has visited Egypt several times, was at the end of a holiday with his wife and a large group of friends when the incident is alleged to have happened at an airport checkpoint.

Later, Mr Camoccio was hugged by his sons in the doorway of his detached house in Sutton as he arrived home.

Speaking outside, he added: “I’m really happy to be back. I now just want to get in and see my family. It’s brilliant to see my family again.”

More than 5,000 people had signed an online petition by Saturday calling for him to be released.

A campaign group, Detained in Dubai, said on Saturday that Mr Camoccio had been released from Egyptian custody after paying about £1,000 in bail and other related costs.

Speaking for the family after his return, Mr Camoccio’s sister Liz Doody said: “We appreciate the help from the public and yourselves (the media) and the online support was terrific.

“It really gathered momentum.”