End in sight for plane-spotters
Twelve Britons were convicted of espionage in 2001
A group of British plane-spotters acquitted of espionage charges in Greece are hoping to finally draw a line under their ordeal on Tuesday.
They have come to an agreement with their Greek lawyers who had blocked the return of their bail money.
One of them, Antoni Adamiak, 39, said they hoped a hearing in an Athens court would bring the “painful” chapter to a close.
The 12 Britons were arrested in 2001 on a plane-spotting holiday.
They and two Dutchmen were arrested near a Greek airbase and accused of taking pictures of military equipment.
It’s been a bloody nightmare
Antoni Adamiak
They were cleared of espionage a year ago after an appeal.
The legal wranglings have dragged on for nine of the group over bail of around £9,000 paid by each of them.
On acquittal that should have been returned to them but their lawyers blocked the payment in lieu of legal fees they said they were owed.
Now at least seven of them, according to Mr Adamiak, have come to an agreement with the Greek lawyers and Tuesday should bring an end to the saga.
“It’s been a bloody nightmare,” said the father-of-one.
“Apart from the financial worry, we’ve had to deal with the stereotype of the anorak plane-spotter. It’s been quite painful.
“Hopefully this will bring this chapter to a close.”
No more plane-spotting
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.
Mr Adamiak, 39, of London, said he had tried to turn it into a positive experience, and had all but given-up plane-spotting.
“I lost a stone-and-a-half in weight, which gave me a real kick-start.
“There’s a lot more I can do with my time. No aircraft is worth sacrificing my freedom.”
By: greekdude1 - 11th February 2004 at 17:18
Originally posted by steve rowell
Greekdude, the remark was made tongue in cheek
I know Steve, it’s all good. I knew you were joking around which is why I made my comment. I am also well aware of the population of Greeks in Melbourne, 2nd largest ‘Greek’ city behind Athens, I’ve been told. I have friends in Dandenong and Geelong.
By: Bmused55 - 11th February 2004 at 08:47
These spotters were indeed in a public area.
I’ve always said this was a massive over reaction of the greek authorities. Our government should demand a pardon and some sort of compensation.
By: steve rowell - 11th February 2004 at 08:00
Some of my best friends are greeks, even my next door neighbour
I love everything about Greeks and their culture, especially the food
Greekdude, the remark was made tongue in cheek
By: greekdude1 - 11th February 2004 at 06:33
Damn Greeks. You got enough of them down there in Melbourne, Steve?
By: steve rowell - 11th February 2004 at 00:53
“Crazy” bl**dy Greeks, they should stick to running fruit and veg shops
By: Whiskey Delta - 10th February 2004 at 21:03
What equipment could they possibily been taking a picture of that isn’t a 3 generation old castoff from some other country? Plus, as long as they were standing on public grounds how can it be a crime? If the government plans on flying their military equipment over me and my buddies as we stand on a nearby road that isn’t my fault, is it?
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February 10, 2004 at 8:35 pm