The partner of North Yorkshire arms dealer Peter Bleach today begged the British Government not to let him die in jail.

Jo Fletcher told the Evening Press she feared her partner could die an innocent man unless the Government stepped in to free him from the Presidency Jail in Calcutta, where he is waiting to stand trial charged with waging war on India.

Bleach, an old boy of St Peter's School, York, was arrested in December, 1995, after the plane he was travelling in allegedly parachuted ammunition and weapons into West Bengal.

Bleach, aged 46, formerly of Fylingthorpe, near Whitby, faces a total of 12 charges, including attempting to wage war on India, which carries the death penalty.

His trial, which has so far been adjourned more than 20 times over the last two years, is due to start again on August 4.

An emaciated Bleach will tonight speak for the first time since his arrest about his ordeal, declaring his innocence on the BBC documentary series East, fronted by Martin Bashir.

The programme, The Purulia Conspiracy, presents evidence supporting Bleach's case that he informed the Government about the arms smuggling incident before it took place.

Ms Fletcher, who lived with Bleach for several years before his arrest, said: "The Government has got to step in now - if they don't they could be responsible for the death of an innocent man."

Ms Fletcher spoke of her shock at seeing emaciated pictures of Peter for the first time since his arrest in December, 1995.

"Although I half-expected it, it was nonetheless very shocking to see him.

"I knew the living conditions were appalling, but seeing it in living colour and seeing him living in that way was not pleasant."

see NEWS "Secret world of arms dealing"

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