Scots pirate-hunter Billy Irving has been released on bail from an Indian jail.
The 33-year-old from Connel, near Oban, had been languishing in dreadful conditions in Puzhal Prison in Chennai, along with five other Brits since being arrested in October.
The ex-paratrooper was aboard the MV Seamen Guard Ohio, operated by US firm AdvanFort, when he was taken into custody at gunpoint.
But last night his father Jim confirmed the authorities had allowed his release.
Billy has now been reunited with his girlfriend Yvonne MacHugh.
Jim said: “I’ve had a brief conversation with Billy and we are obviously delighted he is out.
“Him and Yvonne were on their way to a hotel for some rest.
“The full bail conditions are unclear at this point, but we expect he will have to check in at a local police station twice a day.
“At least he is out.
“The big tragedy is some of the men have not been given bail and remain behind bars.
“It’s a horror story for them and their families. We will keep pushing for their release.”
Billy’s employers AdvanFort have always insisted he and his colleagues were working to provide protection to other ships from pirate attacks, but the Indian courts pressed weapons charges against them.
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We welcome the court’s decision to grant bail to five UK nationals.
“However, we are disappointed one national remains in detention.
“UK ministers continue to follow this situation closely and have raised it with their Indian counterparts on a regular basis.”
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