TWO men who have finally been released from a Spanish prison have spoken of their relief.
Southend lads James Harris, 29, and Kyle Thain, 24, are enjoying their first days of freedom since being released from Font Calent jail in Alicante where they’ve been held without charge since July 8.
Speaking from Spain yesterday, James, of Pelham Road, said: “Coming out to see mum pick us up from the jail was amazing.
“I’ve had a smile on my face for two days.”
Kyle, of Sandringham Road, has been reunited with his mother, Sharon Harris, and older brother, Jay Thain, and is staying with them in a hotel. James is living with his mother Kate Burgess, who has been in Spain for the last five months.
James was also reunited with his sister Anna, who arrived yesterday, a day early, to surprise him.
He said: “I’ve been out to dinner, seen mum’s friends, who have been looking after her here, I had a steak dinner.
“It brought a tear to my eyes after eating only broccoli, spinach and peas in jail.
“Kyle is good too. He’s been with his family. After spending every day together the last five months, we’re enjoying some time just with our families and friends.
“We’ve both got incredible friends and family, and support from people we don’t even know.
“I’ve got 2,000 letters in a bag and I’m going to reply to all of them. There’s no words for how grateful we are. Thank you is not enough.”
As part of their £8,000 bail conditions, the pair have to ‘sign-in’ with authorities on the 1st, 10th and 20th of each month, but they’re hopeful it will only be until December.
“Our lawyer said we’ll maybe be home in time for Christmas.
“It would be monumental. I’ve never missed rainy Southend so much.”
Spanish authorities have accused James and Kyle of attempted murder after two men were stabbed during a bar brawl near Alicante, though they’ve never been charged.
They were finally bailed after their solicitor produced time and date stamped photos taken in their apartment around the time of the fight.
James’ phone, which has text messages sent by him at the time of the fight, will also be sent away for analysis.
James said he’d been so overwhelmed with the support generated through Help Our Boys that when he gets home. He wants to get involved and help other Brits who are falsely imprisoned in Spain and around Europe.
He said: “The system over here is archaic. In England, it’s innocent until proven guilty. Here, it’s guilty until proven innocent.”
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