SUPPORTERS of deaf charity worker Ian Stillman have said they hope he will be released from an Indian jail by Christmas.

Mr Stillman, whose parents live in Tadcaster Road, York, is serving a ten-year sentence after being convicted of cannabis possession.

He has always denied the charge.

An appeal has been heard, but the verdict delayed after a judge suffered a heart attack.

But his friend Brendan Bowles told the Evening Press: "The judge is well enough to be back at work and we really hope that Ian will be free by Christmas."

He said that Ian's family was frustrated by the delay in reaching a decision. The appeal was completed seven weeks ago.

But he added: "Ian's defence lawyers also sound frustrated, but say that two months' delay is not so unusual."

Cricket star David Gower has helped the family by taking mail and gifts for Mr Stillman to India, where he is presenting for Sky Sport.

He met Mr Stillman's son, Lennie, to whom he gave photographs and signatures from the England cricket team.

"As Ian is a great cricket fan, this should be a welcome distraction," said Mr Bowles.

Mr Stillman's appeal is based around claims that he was denied a sign language translator during his trial, despite being profoundly deaf.

He has been working for the past 30 years with deaf people in India.

Updated: 10:54 Monday, December 10, 2001