THE Greek lawyer representing York air enthusiast Andy Jenkins is set to come to Britain to discuss his case.

Andy, who is facing charges of accessing state secrets after being arrested in Greece last year, is expected to meet Ioannis Zacharias, along with the other 11 Britons who were also detained at Kalamata air base.

Mr Zacharias, who is one of Athens' top lawyers, told the Evening Press he wanted to discuss "the essentials of the case", ahead of the group's trial. "I will arrive next Tuesday, and stay probably until Sunday night," he said.

"In that time, I hope to meet all of them, either together or separately, to discuss the essentials with them. I will be in London, and probably somewhere in the Midlands, for these meetings."

Mr Zacharias will tell the "plane spotters" that, under Greek law, their trial may not come to court until 2003. He will ask them if they want to press for an earlier trial, and tell them that if they do, they must work fast.

"If we make an application now, we may be able to get the trial heard in March or April of this year, but it depends on what they tell me," he added.

Andy has already indicated that he wants to return for trial "as soon as possible", and says he believes many of the group members feel the same way. Mr Zacharias is also likely to discuss the legal fees which are due both to himself and to Kalamata lawyer Ioannis Nikiteas, which have been set at £3,000 per group member. This was originally due to be paid before Christmas, but Mr Zacharias said there had been a "change in arrangements", although he declined to elaborate.

He said his main concern was with helping the group to prove their innocence.

"It will be good to see them again," he added.

Updated: 14:35 Thursday, January 24, 2002