Ex-soldier Ray Tindall can’t wait to see his young daughter after learning he is finally free to come home from India after all charges against him were quashed.
Former Army sniper Ray Tindall, 38, from The Crescent, Newton, was one of six British ex-soldiers on board an anti-pirate vessel impounded by the Indian authorities last October after straying into their territorial waters.
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 but was released on bail in March, along with four others, although he had to remain in India and report to the local police station twice a day. Paul Towers, from near York, remained in prison.
Now all six can return home to the UK.
Ray, who has a four-year-old daughter Lyra, told The Chronicle: “Yes, great news, all charges have been quashed, after all this time!
“We are hoping to be home within a week, it depends upon how long the paperwork takes to finalise, which will allow us to leave the country.
“I am obviously very happy with the news, but it hasn’t really hit home, I think it will only hit home once we are on that flight back to the UK.
“Plans for the future; firstly see my daughter and family as soon as possible, then start to rebuild my life.”
Ray thanked supporters including city MP Stephen Mosley and his Labour challenger Chris Matheson as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
He said: “I want to thank all my family and friends, particularly my former wife Faith for her continued support over these many months.
“A special thanks must go to Stephen Mosley for his help and support to Faith and myself throughout this ordeal and to Chris Matheson, for his support throughout.
“The FCO have been outstanding throughout and a big thanks to all my friends on Facebook for their support and good wishes, truly humbling!”
Ray, who was accommodated in a hotel after being released from prison, has used the time to get in tip top condition in readiness for starting his new business Precision Fitness Chester and to take part in various races in aid of Chester Babygrow Appeal to improve neo-natal facilities at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
He added: “Whilst in the hotel I have not wasted the time, I have been training hard for races I have planned for this year, in aid of Chester Babygrow Appeal. See www.justgiving.com/Ray-Tindall for further details.
“I have also been training, as I plan to become a personal trainer. I have been studying every day online and in the gym, in order to be ready for my first exams and practical assessments, which I will book as soon as I am back.
“Once these are passed I will be a level 2 gym instructor, but I am working my way to a level 4 advanced diploma in personal training.
“Obviously in the meantime, I am seeking employment within Chester, so I can be close to my daughter.
“I will never work abroad again after this experience.”
