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by Nick Hallissey

THE trial of a York air enthusiast charged with accessing state secrets in Greece is likely to take place in April, his lawyer has told the Evening Press.

Andy Jenkins, of Barkston Avenue, and the 11 other British "plane spotters" who were arrested at Kalamata air base in November last year, have all told lawyer Ioannis Zacharias that they wish to return to Greece as soon as possible to face their accusers.

Mr Zacharias, one of Athens' top lawyers, visited England last week to meet the group, and ask if they wanted to press for an early trial. Under Greek law, if they did not launch such an application, the trial would have been scheduled for some time in 2003.

Mr Zacharias said: "I was able to speak to them at some length, and all of them agreed we should press for an early trial.

"I am confident we will be able to get a trial date some time in April."

He said he believed the trial was likely to be set for some time between April 10 and 20.

The group was arrested while taking part in a planespotting tour organised by Touchdown Tours. They were originally charged with spying, and endured 37 days in Greek jails.

The charges were later lowered to illegal information collection, and the group, which also included two Dutch men, was released on bail.

Mr Zacharias added: "We have chosen a nice time of year, I think, for them to come back. It is certainly better than November."

Updated: 12:04 Wednesday, February 13, 2002