Dennis boss freed after nine years in Iraq
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• John Smith, the former managing director of Hestair Dennis who was jailed in Iraq for bribery in 1980, is this week back in Britain after serving nine years of a 20 year prison sentence.
He is resting at home with his wife Jo, but will be offered his job back with the company, now Dennis Specialist Vehicles. He was on company business when arrested in July 1979, and as far as Hestair is concerned, he has never stopped being an employee.
Smith, 46, who said at a abreast of company affairs while in prison, where he says he was well treated. Richard Rayworth, deputy chairman of Hestair Group, the company's parent, says he is delighted to see Smith back, and plans to discuss his future with him once he has "relaxed for a bit".
"It was absolutely marvellous to see him so alert," he says. "Throughout his time in prison he made the most of the situation. We sent him information on the company and he sent us lengthy letters giving us ideas."