A YORK aircraft enthusiast detained by Greek authorities faces possible transfer to a violent and overcrowded high-security jail, it emerged today.

The lawyer acting for Andrew Jenkins and 11 others held on alleged spying charges in Kalamata, Greece, says the move could be forced because of further delays to a planned trial.

It is now more than a week since Mr Jenkins was arrested for allegedly taking photographs of military aircraft.

His group was detained last Thursday at Kalamata while on a week-long trip with fellow enthusiasts.

But security services have won more time to allow them to continue to analyse material taken from the group.

Yiannis Nikiteas said that as a result they could be sent to the notorious high-security Korydallos prison, near Athens, to await the outcome of the intelligence investigation.

In an interview with the Evening Press, Mr Jenkins insisted he had done nothing wrong and refuted allegations that he had taken pictures at air bases.

Now his best friend, Adrian Hairsine, has revealed he is set to jet out to offer his support.

Mr Hairsine said: "I am disappointed that his case has still not been dealt with. I was hoping that he would be home for the weekend.

"I don't quite know what the problem is out there, but if it is not settled on Monday then I am going to go to Greece myself to offer my support.

"I think it will give him some good moral support and I would certainly hope that someone would do the same for me if I was in the same position."

Updated: 14:32 Friday, November 16, 2001