The partner of a Scottish anti-piracy worker jailed in India has been briefly reunited with him in prison.

Billy Irving, from Connel in Argyll and Bute, was among a group of security guards on a US-owned ship when they were arrested in October 2013 on illegal weapons charges.

The 35-year-old is being held along with five other former British soldiers despite his employers protesting their innocence.

His partner, Yvonne MacHugh, the mother of his 10-month-old son William, travelled to India this week after a bid to finally release the men failed on January 19.

It was widely expected that, following a long battle by their lawyers, the men would be released home.

They were instead sentenced to five years in jail in what Mr Irving's supporters describe as a "massive miscarriage of justice".

The 35-strong crew were working for maritime company AdvanFort providing anti-piracy protection when their ship, MV Seaman Guard Ohio, was detained and weapons were found.

In the following months the charges were dropped but the Indian authorities appealed against the decision and the men were detained.

Ms MacHugh, who now lives in Neilston, Glasgow, has previously called on Nicola Sturgeon to intervene in the case.

It is understood the men are preparing to lodge an appeal against their convictions.

A post by Mr Irving's father on the Bring Billy Back support group page confirmed Ms MacHugh and Joanne Thomlinson, the sister of English prisoner John Armstrong, had spoken to lawyers in India and met the men.

It said: "Latest update on the men is that Yvonne and Joanne got into the prison today, which was a complete surprise to the men as they were not aware they were coming.

"All the men are in good health and are pulling together as a group. Now they have an end game in sight they are all strong characters and will deal with it in their own ways.

"There is no requirement for them to work, it is their choice and I know that Billy is now working in the bakery making cakes and pies. Poor guys who have to eat them!

"Yvonne and Joanne are hoping to get in again tomorrow. The men are happy with the lawyers they have and they think it will be three to four months before anything is ready to put to court."

A petition calling for the men to be returned home has reached almost 350,000 signatures.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are aware of this case and appreciate that this is a difficult time for Mr Irving and his family.

"There is now a 90-day window for Mr Irving to appeal. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to provide consular assistance to Mr Irving."

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