Three local anti pirate workers jailed in India
Three decorated former soldiers from the region are starting a five year jail term in an Indian prison tonight after courts there ruled the armed security ship they were working on was not properly licensed.
Nick Dunn from Ashington, Nicholas Simpson from Catterick and Paul Towers from near York all insisted they were working legitimately providing properly authorised protection from pirate attacks to other ships.
Family and friends say they are devastated by the verdict while Nick Dunn's MP has called it bizarre and pledged to keep fighting on their behalf.
They thought they might be coming home - instead the crew of the Seaman Guard Ohio boarded a bus for prison today (January 11) to begin a five year jail term.
Among them, wiping his brow, Paul Towers from York.
Nicholas Simpson from Catterick also boarded the bus as the 35 crewmen were given just a few minutes to call home and prepare for prison.
Today's news is a bitter blow for Lisa Dunn in Ashington, who has been campaigning for her brother Nick's release.
She and her father gave their reaction:
The case dates back to October 2013 when Indian police boarded the men's ship demanding to see paperwork and carried out a full inspection.
Officers were alarmed by the weapons on board, and the men were arrested and charged with entering Indian waters illegally and without the proper arms licences.
During a court process that's lasted 27 months the men were first released on bail, then had all the charges against them dropped before being told they would face a trial.
A number of high profile maritime organisations and MPs have reacted angrily to the verdict insisting the ship and its crew were carrying out legitimate work to guard other vessels from pirate attacks.
Speaking just a few weeks ago from the hostel where he'd been staying Nick Dunn made it clear his patience was wearing thin.
The men are now left figuring out their next move from prison knowing they're now officially guilty in the eyes of the Indian courts.