A backpacker who begged to be released from an Indian jail hell is one step closer to being granted his wish of flying home to his family.

Authorities in Rajasthan, who sentenced Patrick Malluzzo to a gruelling 10-year prison sentence for drug smuggling, have authorised his transfer back to the UK.

The 33-year-old former city worker has protested his innocence ever since he was jailed in 2004, but gave up his fight in April this year following a string of appeal rejections and delays, and applied to come home.

His mother, Teresa, welcomed the family's first piece of good news for more than six years, but said she and husband Salvatore are both living "in a nervous state of alert".

The 62-year-old, who has always protested her son's innocence, added: "We hope now that the government can do a good deed and get Patrick home as soon as possible. It's in their hands to get him out."

For the full story see this week's Dartford Messenger.