THE parents of freed charity worker Ian Stillman were today enjoying an emotional reunion with their son.

Roy and Monica said they were looking forward to having a family Christmas together for the first time in seven years.

Speaking for the first time since Ian, 52, touched down on British soil at Heathrow Airport, yesterday, Roy said it was "delightful" to see his son finally home.

Ian, who is seriously ill and profoundly deaf, was dramatically released from an Indian prison earlier this week. He had been jailed for ten years after he was accused of possessing 20kg of cannabis but, following direct intervention from Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, was released because his deteriorating health was causing concern.

The Evening Press began a campaign for his freedom after he was denied a sign translator at his trial, excluding him from taking part.

Human rights lawyer Stephen Jakobi called it the worst miscarriage of justice he had seen.

Roy, 78, said: "The emotion has already been expressed. We saw him touch down on television. We were elated.

"He looked much better than we thought he would, although we are not used to seeing him in a wheelchair.

"It is absolutely tremendous and we are totally delighted he is free. The last Christmas he was home, he had flown in for medical examinations. That was seven years ago. We are looking forward to a lovely Christmas."


Updated: 12:09 Saturday, December 14, 2002