Arrested for suspiciously recording flights near IGI, the UK citizens have to stay back for now
Arrested for suspiciously recording flights near IGI, the UK citizens have to stay back for now
For Stephen Hampton, 46, and friend Steve Ayres, 56, planes are not just mechanical beasts meant to carry passengers and cargo from one place to another. The Britishers belong to the rare breed of men who stand at the edge of airports and observe and log registration numbers of aircraft.
The plane spotters from Bristol, Stephen Hampston and Steve Ayres,
outside the Patiala House court on Wednesday. PICs/RAJEEV TYAGI
But, a visit to India has changed the plane-spotters' priorities. Now, both of them are missing their "ailing" parents, more than the planes they were after.
And a Delhi court on Wednesday ensured that their wait did not end any time soon.
Hampton and Ayres, both from Bristol, were detained after their alleged suspicious activities were reported to the police by the staff at Radisson Hotel near the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Though released on bail after the police and intelligence agencies gave them a clean chit, the Britishers have been charged with offences under the Indian Telegraph Act. They are awaiting clearance from the court to fly back home, but the matter has been posted for another hearing on Friday.
Rajeev Awasthi, counsel for Hampton and Ayres, told MiD DAY that his clients want to go home, as their parents are not keeping well.
"No serious charges have been brought against my clients. They have also been given a clean chit by the
Hampton and Ayres had flown into Delhi on February 11.
Money problem
Sources said the two UK citizens did not belong to affluent families and were almost broke. They told MiD DAY that the plane-spotters have shifted to a cheaper hotel, as they could no longer afford the five-star Radisson.
Court proceedings
The two were to be produced in the Patiala House court but the Magistrate was unwell. They were taken before another Magistrate who, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the matter till Friday.
Awasthi pleaded before the court that the parents of his clients have taken till and therefore, they should be allowed to go home as soon as possible. He also contended that Hampton and Ayres have been cleared by the police and intelligence agencies of any serious charges of spying.
MiD DAY tried to catch up with the duo but they did not wish to say anything.
They took an auto after the hearing.
Did you know?
Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act
Law under which Stephen Hampton and Steve Ayres have been charged. It carries a maximum punishment of a three-year jail sentence and a fine.
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