Planespot Britons in court

The trial of 12 British and two Dutch planespotters, charged with the illegal collection of military information but not with the original charges of espionage, opened today in the Greek town of Kalamata.

The British defendants have arrived with an impressive entourage of lawyers, politicians and supporters for the hearing which is expected to last three days. They are represented by five Greek lawyers. Also presenty was Richard Howitt, the Labour MEP for the East of England, Stephen Jakobi from Fair Trials Abroad, and Consul Donald Holder.

Mr Howitt, a character witness, said last night: "The most important thing is to get the court to understand that these people are in effect harmless, that they had no suspect intentions, but simply were unaware of local laws and of the general lack of knowledge that prevails in Greece concerning the planespotting hobby."

The group was arrested on 8 November for taking pictures at a military air show. Most of the accused are expected to be acquitted, with the leading members of the society getting suspended sentences and fines.