Date set for imprisoned Cumbrian ex-soldier to learn his fate

John Armstrong has spent four years fighting to clear his name and be allowed to return to his family in the UK.

Next Monday he and 33 other men imprisoned alongside him will finally learn whether their wish is to be granted.

The judge hearing the appeal into the men's conviction, has today announced he will deliver his verdict on Monday.

It came as it was also confirmed that the captain of the ship the men were on board will be repatriated to his home country of Ukraine. He has terminal cancer and urgently needs treatment.

John, 30, is one of 35 men jailed in India, having been convicted of possessing illegal firearms in Indian territorial waters.

They were all on board the Seaman Guard Ohio, a ship owned by anti-piracy company AdvanFort.

They were arrested in October 2013, but not convicted until January 2016 - after more than two years of legal to-ing and fro-ing.

Their appeal was heard in November last year, but the men had been in limbo ever since after the judge reserved his judgement.

John's sister Joanne Thomlinson, who lives close to John in Wigton, told the News & Star: "The next week is going to be tough and it will be difficult not to get carried away with imaginings of John coming home and what ifs.

"But we will try to remain grounded and take it one day at a time, firmly in the hope that common sense and justice will prevail."

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She added: "This wait will be nothing for us compared to what it will be for the men out in India."

Among the 35 crew members are six Britons, all jailed together in Puzhal Prison, Chennai.

The men have become collectively known as the #Chennai6 and there has been a major UK campaign calling on the British Government to intervene and right the injustice.

The families of all six men - John Armstrong, Ray Tindall, Billy Irving, Nick Dunn, Nick Simpson and Paul Towers - will all be hoping Monday sees their prayers answered.