Plane-spotters sue Greek lawyers

Twelve Britons were convicted at first

Nine British plane-spotters acquitted of spying in Greece are taking their lawyers to court over bail money.

They claim the lawyers have blocked the payment of £10,000 owed to each of them by the Greek judicial authorities.

But the lawyers say legal costs have not been fully paid and the case will be heard in an Athens court on Friday.

In total, 11 were cleared of espionage a year ago after an appeal, but two who paid an extra £4,000 legal costs expect to receive their bail money in full.

'Exorbitant fees'

Peter Norris, 54, from Uxbridge, said a court order had been passed to prevent their money leaving Greece.

He said each of the accused had paid £3,000 for initial legal costs and then were asked for an additional £4,000 after the first trial.

But the ten people who did not pay the £4,000 agreed to take that amount from the bail money when they receive it.

Mr Norris said: "There is no legal reason why they should hold this money back. I'm not very happy about it."

I am very concerned that this is just adding to the misery of the entire case Richard Howitt MEP

Richard Howitt, Labour MEP for the East Region, said the plane-spotters had been treated poorly by their lawyers, who had "threatened exorbitant charges".

Mr Howitt said he was prepared to act as a witness, but it could be a long legal process.

"I am very concerned that this is just adding to the misery of the entire case," he said.

"Whatever the outcome, the decision can be appealed by either side."

Ill-health

There were 12 Britons, from across the UK, and two Dutchmen arrested near a Greek airbase two years ago while on an organised plane-spotting trip.

Six of the Britons and the two Dutchmen were originally given three-year jail terms for spying, while the others received one-year suspended sentences for aiding and abetting.

All their convictions were overturned on appeal, apart from Mick Keane's, who did not attend the appeal on health grounds.

He is still considered guilty of aiding and abetting.

None of those involved in the new legal action needs to be in court for Friday's hearing.