AN MP has demanded the case of two men accused of attempted murder in Spain be settled as soon as possible.

Kyle Thain, 24, of Sandringham Road, Southend, and James Harris, 29, of Pelham Road, Southend, were freed on bail last Thursday, after spending almost five months in a Spanish prison without charge.

The pair are now fighting to clear their names and believe their mobile phone records, currently being checked by police and a judge, will exonerate them.

While they wait for the Spanish justice system to process their case, Southend West MP David Amess has called for a speedy conclusion.

He has submitted a written question in the Commons about the men.

He asked what steps were being taken “to ensure the finalisation of a court date in Spain in respect of the case of Kyle Thain and James Harris”.

David Lidington, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, told him his department had helped the pair and their families .

Officials had visited them on several occasions, he said and had helped their families arrange prison visits.

He added: “We have raised their concerns with the Spanish authorities and we will continue to provide appropriate consular assistance to them. Court proceedings in Spain are a matter for the Spanish authorities.

“We cannot interfere in the judicial processes of another country, just as other countries cannot interfere in processes in the United Kingdom.”

A spokesman for Mr Amess said he had asked the question because although the two men were constituents of neighbouring MP James Duddridge, the Rochford and Southend East MP was a Government Whip and so not allowed to table written questions.

She added: “In all the circumstance, David was absolutely delighted with the outcome.”

Sharon Harris, 56, Kyle’s mother, sold her home in Brunswick Road, Southend, to help fund the legal fight.

She said: “We want this sorted out, we have been told it could take as long as four years for a case to come to court.

“Ideally, we want the charges dropped, but we are also pushing for a court date to prove their innocence.

“It is great to have political support, as it helps us and there is a wider issue with pre-trial detention which needs addressing.”

James and Kyle were arrested on July 4.

Both maintain they were not in the bar where the fight took place and insist their detention is as a result of a case of mistaken identity.

l A fundraising night is being held tonight at Bellini’s bar in London Road, Leigh, to help fund the pair’s legal battle. It starts at 7.30pm and will feature a DJ and an auction. Tickets are £10.