Wigan haulier jailed in Iran
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A WIGAN HAULIER, Mr Nell Blackie, head of NAB Transport, has been jailed in Iran for allegedly assaulting a member of a military patrol. With him in Iran is his 21-year-old wife, Susan, who is the daughter of Mr Kenneth Crawford, Wigan Director of Education.
When Mr Crawford heard of Mr Blackie's arrest he got in touch with Westhoughton MP Mr Roger Stott, who contacted the Foreign Office. The British Consul in Tehran has been asked to try to secure Mr Blackie's release.
Scuffle
This was the fifth time Mr Blackie had been to Iran. Mr Crawford said he understood Mr Blackie was stopped on the road and some local people started to go through his toolbox, though why they did so is not clear. Then an army lorry appeared and there was a scuffle, in which a small tear was made in the pocket of a soldier's uniform. Mr and Mrs Blackie were taken to a police station and fined £30. Then Mr Blackie was put into prison to await trial.