HOPES for the release of a York aviation enthusiast, who was arrested in Greece over alleged spying charges, were today dashed by a magistrate.

A lawyer working for Andy Jenkins, as well as the 11 other British tourists arrested in Kalamata, said investigators working on the case have turned up new evidence against the group.

Andy, 32, of Barkston Avenue, and his colleagues, were today remanded in custody, pending a further hearing, at which charges may be brought against them.

Lawyer Yannis Zacharias said: "It seems that the experts from the air force, in their report, produced findings that not only support the existing charges, but have led the investigating judge to prepare to bring further charges against these people."

One of the new charges could be that of trespass at an airfield which no civilian could approach, he said.

The group would be brought back before the judge either at the end of this week or next Monday, he said.

Mr Zacharias suggested that their defence should be "individualised".

"I believe the majority of these people had nothing to do with the incidents," he said.

Another lawyer, Yiannis Nikiteas, said: "One thing is certain: They won't be coming out today. That is indisputable."

Stephen Jakobi, of legal rights organisation Fair Trials Abroad, said: "I am flabbergasted. We are told that on the basis of notebooks and photographs, all 14 are going to be remanded in custody to face further charges.

"I cannot think of a jurisdiction where on the basis of two or three notebooks belonging to various individuals, and photographs, if there are any that are relevant, you remand in custody 14 people. Against a number of these people, there can't be any evidence.

"This is the most disgraceful breach of the presumption of innocence and case of locking up people without cause that I have heard of for some time."

Meanwhile, his friends Adrian and Brigid Hairsine, from York, have written to Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh, to ask for her help in securing Andy's release.

Miss McIntosh told the Evening Press: "This is a very alarming state of affairs, and it is not giving out the right message to British tourists, when the Greek economy relies so heavily on British tourism."

Updated: 14:31 Tuesday, November 20, 2001