OK driver trapped in Serbian prison
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by Nicky Clarke • Yugoslav truck driver Miriam Lonergan is appealing to UK hauliers to help owner-driver Alan Peat who is imprisioned in Serbia.
Peat, who is based in Barnstable, Devon, was jailed seven months ago following a fatal accident.
Lonergan is setting up a fund to provide him with medication, clothes and food.
When she flies out to see Peat again in two weeks time Lonergan hopes that a haulier will accompany her: "It would be a great boost for Alan and would assure him there is somebody else who cares besides his family and myself." She has enlisted the support of North Devon MP Nick Harvey Peat 53, is in Novi Sad prison, 120km from Belgrade and 100km from the Hungarian border. There is no threat of war in the region, says Lonergan.
The British Embassy in Belgrade has told Peat it cannot continue to forward mail to his family or run errands for him—"I don't understand their attitude,"says Lonergan. "I am a British lorry driver from Kent who happens to be of Yugoslavian nationality and therefore I found myself morally obliged to help my colleague in need."
Lonergan owns a freight forwarding company and drives an Iveco throughout Europe. "My motives are humanitarian. I'm doing this purely for Alan's sake and peace of mind," she says.
Any hauliers who wish to help Pe.at, either with a donation or by visiting him in jail, can contact Lonergan on 081313 9181.