British soldier jailed in Turkey jumps bail to return to UK
A FORMER British soldier jailed in Turkey for fighting against Isil has fled his captors and arrived home in the UK, prompting fears of a diplomatic crisis.
Joe Robinson, 25, has been reunited with his fiancée after fleeing Turkey while on bail.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years in jail for fighting alongside Kurdish armed groups in Syria in 2015, including the banned terrorist organisation the YPG.
Turkey will consider its formal response but could seek Robinson’s extradition. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, has led a crackdown on the Kurds and will be angered if the UK is seen not to be taking an interest in Robinson’s return.
Mira Rojkan, Mr Robinson’s fiancée, told The Telegraph of her joy at her partner’s return. “He’s out and we’re delighted. He’s home and he’s fine and safe,” said Miss Rojkan, 23, from Accrington in Lancashire.
Asked if he left Turkey legally, she refused to comment, but added: “He’s a soldier and he knows what he’s doing, but I can’t discuss it. Now we just want to be left alone. Hopefully we can now get married.”
It is not known how he fled Turkey, but it was suggested he crossed undetected by land to Bulgaria.
Robinson complained he had “suffered” in Turkey for nearly a year and a half, adding: “I could not accept the sentence and charges as I am not a criminal.”