Judge in charge of 'Chennai Six' appeal steps down

Six British sailors - who have been detained in India since 2013 - have had their appeal thrown into turmoil, as the judge in charge of the case has stepped aside.

The group, which includes Billy Irving, from Connel in Argyll and Bute, were working for a US maritime company when their ship was searched and weapons found.

They were eventually sentenced to five years in jail.

The 'Chennai Six' had expected an appeals verdict within the next three months, but the judge said the case was too complicated for him to handle.

Earlier this week they met with the Foreign Office, who say they are doing all the can to secure their appeal.

The 6 men maintain they held appropriate licences for the weapons.

A post on Facebook read: "Today we received an update on our appeals process. As you all know, the appeal was heard on 30th November and a verdict should be issued within 3 months. We have waited nearly 11 months for the judge to finally decide that the case is too complicated for him so he has withdrawn from it.

"This means that it now needs to be reissued to another judge and a new appeal needs to be heard. This is just typical of the last 4 years of continually battling through frustrating setbacks time and time again.

"The only positive we must try to draw from it, is that at least he has stepped down rather than saying the conviction is to stand so we can only continue to hope and pray that the new judge who is allocated this case is of a higher calibre and experienced enough to finally make a decision and make the correct decision.

"We do not know yet if the men have been told of this latest setback and I can only guess that severe disappointment will follow. I urge you all please, once more to write to your MP's requesting they continue to lobby Boris Johnson.

"I also ask if you are able to spend some time to write a letter to the men to give your support and help boost their spirits once more after this further devastation, especially as the 4 year anniversary also looms. They need your support now more than ever. Thank you."