WHEN the Evening Press broke the story of the arrest of British plane spotters at a Greek airfield, it appeared to be an innocent misunderstanding. The York member of the group, Andy Jenkins, even managed to crack a few jokes in an interview with this paper while languishing in a police cell at Kalamata.

He was sure, he said then, that "common sense will prevail". It did; but only after Andy had spent six weeks in an overcrowded foreign jail, been convicted for spying, run up a £25,000 legal bill and endured a nightmare year.

It is easy to see how this flock of air enthusiasts came to be arrested. Imagine how our military authorities might react if they saw a group of foreigners taking an excessive interest in planes at an air base. Stir in the post-September 11 climate of fear, the Greeks' long-standing paranoia over its relations with neighbouring Turkey and the fact that plane spotting was almost unheard of in Greece, and you have all the elements for a mix-up.

But it should have been sorted out months ago. Instead, the Greek authorities pursued the case with such dogged determination, you might have thought this group of British hobbyists were the world's most wanted criminals.

Their conviction for spying was nothing less than an affront to justice. They were sentenced to years in prison despite a glaring lack of evidence. Proof that they had sought and received permission from the general chief of staff was brushed aside.

Finally, the eccentric and creaking Greek justice system has accepted that Andy and his fellow enthusiasts are innocent. That is vindication of their courageous decision to return and fight, rather than hide at home. Their names have been cleared.

Andy has already enjoyed a few celebration drinks in Greece. No doubt a few more will be downed on his return to York. And, if we know Andy, soon after the emotional reunions he will be off - to the nearest air show.

Updated: 11:11 Thursday, November 07, 2002