'Chennai Six' captive Ray Tindall: Being locked up 'like being punched by Mike Tyson'

A former soldier from Hull who was one of the so-called 'Chennai Six' who were detained in India for four years has recalled the feeling of being told he was being locked up saying: "It was like the biggest punch in the belly going – like being hit by Mike Tyson.''

Ray Tindall, 42, was one of a group of six British servicemen arrested in 2013 after the anti-piracy US vessel they were working on strayed into Indian waters.

They were charged with weapons offences, but were exonerated last month and Mr Tindall, a father of three, arrived back on UK soil last week.

He told Calendar he holds no bitterness towards his captors and is now looking forward to Christmas at home.

Recalling the moment he was brought before a court in India, he said: "The next thing you know we were sat in front of a sort-of judge, and remanded into custody. And that was us. It was like the biggest punch in the belly going. Like being hit by Mike Tyson.''

Mr Tindall said conditions in their Indian prison were tough – they had no bed, one meal a day and endured excessive heat.

"It was horrendous," he said. "It was a shock to the system. But we stuck together and tried to make the best of it.'

''I learned to deal with the frustration and move on, because you cannot control it. I don't hold any bitterness to anyone, if you live a bitter life and want retribution and want compensation, they might take another two years of your life, and then you've lost six.''

He was sent parcels of supplies from the UK, including Yorkshire tea bags, and his mother, Carole, and family had been given amazing support.

''I'm humbled with the support I've had. People have offered all sorts of help, supported my family, it's been truly amazing. Never thought that would be the case. With that amount of support - it's certainly put my faith back in humanity."