Here comes the judge • As CM went to press,
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three Greek examining magistrates were deciding the fate of "Supergun" truck driver Paul Ashwell.
Earlier this week Greek public prosecutor Antonius Mitis called for all charges against Ashwell to be dropped as there was insufficient evidence to put him on trial for transporting part of the alleged Iraqi Supergun. Last week an investigating magistrate dropped criminal charges against Ashwell, to the level of a misdemeanour. This reduced the maximum possible prison sentence from 20 to two years. The examining magistrates were due to sit yesterday (30 May). Ashwell's accountant, Ivan Renshaw, acting says: "The hearing could be adjourned, Ashwell could still face a prison sentence. And what about his truck?"
Ashwell was released from jail on E19,000 bail more than two weeks ago, but was ordered to remain in Greece.
Last week the company which sub-contracted Ashwell, Bedford-based Michael Cave, went into liquidation with debts of 2500,000.
LI Peter Goff, the former owner-driver who has been heading the campaign to free Paul Ashwell, plans to form a self-help organisation for drivers in distress overseas, The idea is to provide drivers with phone contacts, including the numbers for bars where British drivers drink.
Commercial Motor has spoken exclusively to Ashwell's family about their battle to keep their firm afloat: see their story in next week's issue.