New blow in bid to free pirate hunter

The fight to release pirate hunter Billy Irving from his Indian prison hell has stalled again after one of his colleagues collapsed in court.

The 33-year-old from Connel, near Oban, was detained four months ago along with five other Brits while helping to protect merchant shipping vulnerable to ruthless hijackers.

Since then the ex-paratrooper has been held in squalid conditions in Puzhal Prison in Chennai alongside murderers and rapists.

A court appearance had given his family fresh hopes that Billy would be granted bail while he awaits trial, but they were dashed when proceedings were dramatically halted.

His father Jim explained: “The guys were taken from Chennai back to Tuticorin where they were initially held after being arrested by the Indian coastguard.

“We had hoped this might move us a bit closer to getting Billy out on bail.

“It seemed the judge was going to ask questions of the men which might have helped to that end.

“But his colleague, who has struggled greatly psychologically with the whole situation, collapsed and the whole process was halted.”

Billy was aboard the MV Seamen Guard Ohio, operated by American firm AvanFort, when he was taken into custody at gunpoint.

The company have been heavily criticised for not doing enough for their employees while they’ve been held captive.

Concerns over their treatment have also been raised at Prime Minster’s Questions in the House of Commons, with David Cameron insisting he had been in contact with the Indian government.

Jim said: “The trip to court was a tough one for them over 600 miles in each direction on an old bus that effectively resulted in very little.

“They’re due back in court next week. All we can do is remain positive and hope Billy gets bail.

“He’s been hospitialised again. The sanitary conditions are horrific and clearly taking their toll.

“The whole situation is very frustrating. It seems like we take one step forward and two back.”

Also among the six former British soldiers behind bars are John Armstrong of Wigton, Ray Tindall from Chester and Nick Dunn of Ashington.

In January The Sunday Post revealed how the men were being held in squalid and degrading conditions after being intercepted by the Indian coastguard while heading for Egypt.

Jim and Billy’s girlfriend Yvonne McHugh, have since travelled to the Chennai to ensure proper legal representation is in place. In total, Billy has now been held in prison for 134 days.