THE sister of a York plane spotter being held in a Greek jail on spying charges today spoke of her hopes he will be home for Christmas.

Andrew Jenkins has been in prison for exactly a month now, after Greek police arrested him and 11 fellow air enthusiasts near a military airbase.

But his sister, Adele, has again protested his innocence and said she hopes her brother will still be freed next week, despite reported delays with the Greek justice system.

"He's done nothing wrong and they should let him go. We want him back here to celebrate Christmas with his family," she said.

The delays mean a vital report containing evidence against the 12 may now not be passed to the case judges until Monday.

It had been due to be handed over yesterday afternoon.

It is also believed that the judges may not start deliberating on the case for another two weeks - but the judicial system shuts down completely from December 20.

After that break, it is not due to deal with any new cases until January 7.

Bishopthorpe resident Adele described the delays as "ridiculous."

She said: "I can't believe how slowly it is all happening when it is obvious he, and all the others, have done nothing wrong.

"We are all finding it maddening and frustrating but we are trying to get on with our lives as best we can, and it isn't easy.

"If he is still there over Christmas and New Year then obviously we won't be very happy about it - it will cast a real shadow over our Christmas.

Updated: 11:24 Saturday, December 08, 2001