Lancashire man 'stuck' in Thailand amid legal dispute

The parents of a Lancashire man who they claim has been trapped in Thailand for three years because of a legal dispute are hoping he will finally be free to return home.

Chemical engineer Lee Chestnutt, who is originally from Pilling in the borough of Wyre, was accused of criminal damage and of stealing items of furniture from a property he rented in Bangkok.

His parents say he was cleared of charges in January 2011 but until the appeal from his former landlord is heard he is unable to leave the country or get a work permit.

Eric Ollerenshaw, Conservative MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, has asked the government to raise the case with the Thai authorities for Mr Chestnutt to get "a fair and just trial dealt with speedily" so he can come home to see his family.

A Foreign Office spokesman said it was aware of the case and was offering consular advice.