New delay agony in York man's Greek jail ordeal

The judges who are now considering his case, along with those of the other 11 British enthusiasts arrested in Greece, have still not received the reports and documents they need in order to reach a decision.

The news will almost certainly mean that Andy will notch up one month in the custody of the Greek authorities, a bitter anniversary which is due on Saturday.

The delay is widely blamed on the prosecutors in his case, who have so far only prepared draft versions of their reports into each group member.

Defence lawyers had hoped the whole matter might have been resolved by today. Cruelly, that will not be so.

Ioannis Zacharias, Andy's lawyer, told the Evening Press: "This is very distressing for the group and for their relatives.

"I had received assurances that this reading would be dealt with as soon as possible, but it seems they can still take their time."

Clearly frustrated by the lack of progress, but still wary of offending the judges, he said: "It's very hard for all of us to be patient, but these judges now have all the power, so the prosecutors want to make sure the case details are as accurate as possible in their eyes."

Asked when he thought Andy might be freed, he said: "I now have to think that Wednesday next week might be the earliest point you would hear something."

Chris Rush, brother of detainee Steve, told the Evening Press: "You just have to hope that all these delays mean they are going about it in the most right and legal way."

Meanwhile, there are signs that Greek people are fed up of the issue, and believe it exposes flaws in the country's justice system.

Gardener Dimitris Sofias said: "I think we will look like a country of monkeys if this goes on. I'm not surprised it takes a long time.

"For buying a new rake for the gardens I need orders signed three times, two acceptance notices and probably some blood from my mother."

Updated: 12:21 Thursday, December 06, 2001