Plane-spotters to appeal after guilty verdict

Twelve British plane-spotters are expected to fly home today pending an appeal against a Greek conviction for obtaining national secrets.

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Plane-spotters vent anger over verdict: 'It's a stitch up'

Twelve British plane-spotters are expected to fly home today pending an appeal against a Greek conviction for obtaining national secrets.

Judge Potoula Fotopoulou handed down three-year terms to six of the enthusiasts and to two Dutchmen. The others received one-year suspended sentences for aiding and abetting.

The group, who insist they were innocently enjoying a hobby, was arrested in Kalamata in November and accused of espionage. They spent 37 days in Greek jails before the charge was commuted to the lesser misdemeanour of collecting state secrets.

The Labour MEP Richard Howitt, who has campaigned for the 12, said he was shocked by the decision. "The verdict bears no relationship to the evidence we have seen in court," he said.

Downing Street said: "The Government has always believed that the response to this case has been disproportionate and will continue to give the defendants as much help as it can."