by Danny Boyle

The family of a Dartford backpacker jailed in India are appealing for government intervention as they prepare for another Christmas without their son.

Patrick Malluzzo's parents have made a direct plea to Foreign Secretary David Miliband to help overturn what they believe is a miscarriage of justice.

The 32-year-old former City worker, convicted of drug smuggling in 2004, has had his appeal hearing adjourned a dozen times in three months.

Hopes were dashed in October when a much-anticipated hearing fell through because the judge went on holiday. Since then his case has been listed for appeal twice a week - but has faced a string of delays in the legal system.

Now his parents, of Upper Heath Lane, have joined Fair Trials International in calling on the Government to raise Patrick's case with the Indian authorities.

Mother Teresa Malluzzo, 63, said: "All we want is Patrick's case to be heard. We are asking Mr Miliband to help us by making representations to the Indian authorities.

"I'm asking this as a mum. While everyone is preparing to celebrate Christmas we can't. Our family is incomplete, please help to bring my son home."

Patrick was sentenced to 10 years in a Rajasthan prison after what campaigners have described as a "grossly unfair" trial.

He had been travelling in India for four months when his unattended bag was found on a train next to another containing cannabis.

Senior consular officials were due to meet Patrick Malluzzo's parents, the charity Fair Trials International and Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate on Thursday.