Pirate hunter faces court, but girlfriend vows to wait ‘no matter how long it takes’

A Scottish pirate hunter jailed in India has revealed his fears on the eve of a crucial court hearing which could finally see him freed.

In his first interview since being bailed last month, former paratrooper Billy Irving expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of Scots who wrote to him in jail.

And, speaking from his hotel room, Billy poignantly revealed his undying love for Yvonne MacHugh, the girlfriend who has stood by him throughout his ordeal.

Billy, among 33 crewmen from the MV Seaman Guard Ohio detained last year after allegedly sailing illegally into Indian waters with weapons on board, says: “It has been hardest on our families. While we were in prison we were only receiving letters every two weeks and had no phone or email contact.”

The 34-year-old was working for US private maritime company AdvanFort, providing anti-piracy protection when they were arrested. The majority of the men have now been bailed but told they have to remain in India and report twice daily to a police station. The ship’s captain and its head of security remain incarcerated in Puzhal Prison, Chennai.

On Tuesday Billy, from Connel, in Argyll and Bute, faces a crucial hearing which it is understood will consider quashing the charges. “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” he said. “I have been disappointed in the past but I keep my mind positive.”

Florist Yvonne, 25, was there to surprise him when he was released from prison.

Billy, who like his girlfriend is a piper, says: “Yvonne and I were parted for about a year except for a three-hour visit she had to the prison in January with my family.

“Even then, we were not allowed to touch. I saw her for the first time properly when I was bailed. To cuddle her and talk to her face-to-face was really good.”

“I love her very much and I hoped she would wait for me.”

And Yvonne, who has shared a home with Billy for more than three years, says: “There was never a question that I wouldn’t wait, no matter how long it took.

“I fell in love with Billy the first time I saw him. He spent his whole time in jail not worrying about himself, but worrying about his family and me.”

The couple celebrated Billy’s 34th birthday in India on May 27, and are now praying that after this week’s hearing they will finally be reunited at home in Scotland.

But irrespective of the court’s decision, stoic Billy has this message for the Scots whose backing saw him through.

“I have received hundreds of letters of support, many from schoolkids whom my friends teach. They have meant the world to me and I just want to say a massive thank-you to you all.”