PLANE-SPOTTER Mike Keane, who was arrested on espionage charges by Greek police, faces trial in Athens next month.

The 57-year-old, of Burnham Road, Dartford, had travelled the world plane-spotting before his arrest last November.

He is alleged to have been one of a group of 12 Britons to have taken photographs inside a military base near the south-eastern town of Kalamata.

Mr Keane, who has paid a £9,000 bail fee to the Greek authorities, told the News Shopper he was "nervous" and trying not think about the trial, which is due to begin on April 24.

The 12 each face up to five years in jail in Greece if found guilty of the charges.

Backing for their' case has come not only from the Greek-born founder of EasyJet, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who has flown relatives of the detainees to Greece on his budget airline, but also Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate.

Dr Stoate told the News Shopper: "I am obviously anxious to ensure Mr Keane receives a full and fair hearing in Greece and this unfortunate matter is brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.

"As far as I am concerned, Mr Keane is a man of good character who has never broken the law here or in any other country and whose hobby has never been anything but an innocent pastime.

"I have been in regular contact with Mr Keane and his family throughout the last few months and have provided a character reference for him for use by his legal team in preparation of his defence."

He added: "I will, of course, continue to provide the family with whatever support and assistance I can in the weeks ahead."

The plane-spotter's case was thrown into doubt when it was suggested Paul Coppin, who organised the trip to Greece, was working for Turkish intelligence services.

It was revealed Mr Coppin, from Suffolk, had spent a week in Turkey earlier this year as a guest of the country's armed forces.

The revelation came to light during interrogations by Greek court and intelligence officials.

csteel@london.newsquest.co.uk