'I just want to go home'
2003-02-26 18:07
Durban - A British pensioner, wrongly jailed for two weeks in South Africa after being mistaken for a fugitive, has broken down as he spoke of his wish to go home as soon as possible.
A visibly shaken Derek Bond fought back tears as he spoke to reporters for the first time since being released from a Durban police cell by the FBI.
He said he was delighted to be free, but was considering legal action, Sky reported on Wednesday.
"Although I protested my innocence from the beginning it seemed to have little impact on the FBI. I was getting very despondent," he said.
Asked whether he was planning to take legal action, Bond said he would have to consult his lawyers, but said there was "every possibility" and that he appeared to have a genuine case.
He was owed a great deal more than an apology by the FBI, he said.
Slept on floor
Bond said it was 10 days before a personal statement was taken from him.
He had to sleep on a concrete floor with a mat and didn't eat for three days because he was so worried, he said.
The 72-year-old from Bristol, was eventually freed after the US Attorney's Office admitted: "We got the wrong man".
The FBI arrested the real fugitive, suspected of fraud and money laundering, in Las Vegas last night.
Agents had been hunting a suspect known by the names of Derek Bond and Derek Lloyd Sykes, who had the same date of birth and passport number as the retired businessman.
The Interpol website said the wanted man "may be dangerous" and listed his offences as property conspiracy, fraud conspiracy and money laundering.
Bond was arrested while on holiday with his wife of 50 years, Audrey.
'Delighted'
She said on Wednesday she was "over the moon".
"I'm absolutely delighted. I can't tell you. It's absolutely marvellous."
His youngest son Richard said he was "delighted" at the news, but expressed concern over the FBI investigation.
Speaking from his home in Knowle, Bristol, the 43-year-old university administrator and father of four, said: "The news is a great relief to us.
But he added: "I don't know what's going on with the FBI. The story that we are hearing is very odd. There are issues that we should all be very concerned about."
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