THE daughter of York plane spotter Andy Jenkins is delighted that dad is back home, her mum said today.

Nona Hodgson said seven-year-old Jessica was heartbroken when it appeared her dad would have to spend time in a Greek prison.

But her tears of pain turned to joy when she realised that Andy would be released, while he waits for his appeal to be heard.

Andy, of Barkston Avenue, in Acomb, was found guilty of espionage by a Greek court in Kalamata.

He had been on a plane spotting excursion to the Megara air base, last November, when he was arrested and eventually charged with gathering secret information.

He was given a three year prison sentence, which was suspended pending appeal.

Nona, 29, of Thirsk, said that when she saw the news flash proclaiming Andy guilty, she feared having to tell little Jessica the news.

"It was out of school time. I was thinking to myself, 'What am I going to say to her?' I was panicking," Nona said.

"The news came up saying he had been given three years. I didn't know what I was going to tell Jessica.

"It is a lot for a little girl to take. She was very upset. She started crying. It was awful to see her like that.

"They have become so close. It was a shock to the system.

"My other daughter's father died and Jessica has gone through that. I didn't want her to lose another dad."

Then came the news that Andy would be coming home after all.

"She was a bit happier after that," Nona added.

"When I told her he was coming home she got all excited. She can't wait to see him again.

"They have been spending a lot more time together, just in case the worst happened.

"She has been going to see him every weekend and has been watching the news. She is very pleased."

Nona said the pair had not been immediately reunited. But she believed they would see each other again this weekend.

She added: "I think she will go through to York this week.

"Jessica just wants to see her dad as soon as possible."

Updated: 08:42 Monday, April 29, 2002