British veteran Matthew Roy Desmond, who has been held in custody in Georgia for almost three months, could return home as early as July 16, reports Radio Liberty.
A court hearing in Tbilisi, scheduled for July 13, has been postponed to July 16. By that time, Desmond’s family must raise 100,000 lari (about $37,813, or £28,000) to pay a fine under a plea agreement with the prosecutor’s office.
Lawyers stated that the funds will be transferred by July 16, after which the veteran will be released in the courtroom, handed over to the migration service, and deported to the UK.
According to lawyer Jaba Kochlamazashvili, the defense believes Desmond is innocent, but the British national agreed to the deal due to his health condition and the risk of facing 8 to 12 years in prison in the event of a full trial.
Matthew Desmond was detained in late April while attempting to enter Georgia from Turkey on a motorcycle due to painkillers he was taking as prescribed by a doctor following a spinal injury sustained during his service in the British Army.
Lawyers stated that the criminal case was triggered by the lack of an apostille on his medical certificate, although all the necessary documents were later provided.
At the latest hearing, Desmond met for the first time since his arrest with a relative who had traveled to Tbilisi to accompany him home.
If the plea agreement is approved, the British national will be able to leave Georgia on July 16.
