Health fears for UK driver in Belgian jail
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The health of a British truck driver held in a Belgian prison for a crime for which he was initially cleared in 1997 is rapidly deteriorating.
Kent-based Eddie Belfield was picked up by Belgian police at the port of Zeebrugge in April after his name appeared on the computer as wanted by German authorities for involvement in a large-scale duty-evasion scam some years earlier. Belfield was eliminated from UK Customs & Excise enquiries in 1997 but the warrant for his arrest was never cancelled by Interpol (CM 15-21 July).
Solicitor Jacqueline van Loon says Belfiald is now suffering with a heart-related condition and his mental health is also worsening.
Little progress has been made after four months; Beffield is still awaiting extradition to Germany. Van Loon is appealing to the Belgian Ministry of Justice for his release on the grounds that procedures have not been followed correctly—she claims Belfield should have been held for no more than 40 days unless formally charged.
m Eddie Belfield's fan* is appealing for support If you would like to help to get signatures for a petition, contact Christine Hope on 0181239 7995.