JAILED BACKPACKER PATRICK MALLUZZO ASKS TO COME HOME

KENT NEWS

A backpacker serving a hard labour sentence in an Indian jail has admitted defeat in his fight for freedom.

Patrick Malluzzo, who is more than halfway through a 10-year jail term for drug smuggling, has been waiting for four years for an appeal to be heard against his conviction.

But following the latest setback in February, when judges again refused to hear the case, the 32-year-old, of Upper Heath Lane, Dartford, has decided to end his battle and apply for transfer to a UK prison.

Patrick said: "My family and I have been fighting for justice in India for the last six years - a fight which has taken a serious toll on all of us. I want to return to the UK so I can be close to my family."

Jago Russell, chief executive of Fair Trials International, has been fighting against Patrick's conviction.

He said: "Patrick and his family have shown great courage over the last six years and it is a travesty that this young man will come home with a guilty conviction.

"We hope the British and Indian Governments will now do everything in their power to get Patrick home as soon as possible."