Mann: Meeting son for first time is the best early Christmas present

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 21:46

FREED mercenary Simon Mann celebrated his freedom with his wife Amanda yesterday as he thanked people for the "warmth" shown since his release from a 34-year jail sentence for his part in plotting a coup.

The Old Etonian and ex-SAS soldier was pardoned earlier this week after being jailed over a bungled coup in Equatorial Guinea. He returned to the UK on Wednesday.

Mann met his young son Arthur, who was born after he left the UK, for the first time a few days ago.

He did not have a chance to see the newborn before he was captured on a runway in Harare, Zimbabwe, in March 2004 and jailed for his part in the plot to topple Equatorial Guinea's government and install opposition leader Severo Moto.

Mann, 57, said: "Amanda and I want to thank everyone for the warmth that has been shown to us since my return. We now need some time on our own to be with our family and friends."

When he returned to Luton airport this week he said in a statement:

"There hasn't been a moment during the last five-and-a-half years when I have not dreamt of one day being back in Britain with my family.

"I am hugely grateful to President Obiang for releasing me. It's the best early Christmas present my family and I could ever have imagined."

Scotland Yard counter-terrorism detectives are preparing to question Mann, who served 15 months of his sentence in the oil-rich west African state.

He claimed during his trial that several prominent figures helped to organise and finance the plot in London. He told the court Sir Mark Thatcher, son of former prime minister Baroness Thatcher, was "part of the management team".

Sir Mark was given a suspended sentence in South Africa in connection with funding the operation. He has always denied knowing that a coup was being organised and yesterday welcomed Mann's release.

Lebanese-born London businessman Ely Calil has also been implicated in the plot. He too denies any wrongdoing.

South African arms dealer Nick Du Toit was sentenced to 34 years in prison in the case. He, plus Sergio Cardoso, Jose Domingos and George Alerson, were also granted pardons.

British detectives visited Mann three times last year while he was in the Equatorial Guinea's notorious Black Beach prison.

His former associates could be questioned by police if he repeats the allegations.