A Chester man is among five out of six British nationals granted bail having been held in an Indian jail since October.
Former Army sniper Ray Tindall, 38, from The Crescent, Newton, was one of six British ex-soldiers on board a US-owned ship impounded on October 12 after straying into Indian waters.
The patrol vessel protects freight ships from pirate attacks but the 25 security guards and 10 crew were arrested for allegedly carrying weapons arms and ammunition without disclosing them to the local authorities. The Coast Guard reportedly seized 31 assault rifles and about 5,000 rounds of ammunition from the ship.
A judge has now granted conditional bail to 33 of the men. But one of the British men and the vessel’s Ukrainian captain remain in jail.
Ray, a former sergeant with the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and The 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, had been held in the city of Chennai's Puzhal jail with allegations of poor conditions.
Ray, who lives with his wife Faith and four-year-old daughter Lyra, left the Army last April after 17 years’ service. He describes himself on Twitter as ‘security consultant, ultra runner, fishing and rugby league nut’ and set up a farmers’ market in Hoole last year, trading under the name of Faraly’s Fine Produce, having previously worked as a butcher for Swan’s Farm Shop in Treuddyn, North Wales.
Chester MP Stephen Mosley, who has been in regular contact with Ray’s family, confirmed bail had been granted but the terms were not clear. He said: “The formalities need to be completed but it is hoped he can be out after the weekend.”
Mr Mosley said the prosecution also had the right of appeal but lawyers were confident this would not happen. He added: “It’s good news. Obviously it’s bail so there could still possibly be a trial.”
