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Pirate hunter’s partner faces giving birth without her man

Billy Irving and Yvonne MacHugh
Billy Irving and Yvonne MacHugh

The partner of stranded pirate hunter Billy Irving is facing the prospect of giving birth without him by her side.

The ex-soldier from Oban was arrested with all his crewmates by Indian coastguard officers in October 2013.

Mr Irving, 34, was accused of gun running, but was cleared of all charges in July. He and his shipmates were released from Chennai prison, but they are unable to leave the country because the Indian prosecutor has appealed the decision.

Mr Irving’s partner Yvonne MacHugh spent three months with him in India when he was released, but had to return to Oban.

She is due to give birth on Valentines Day.

Billy Irving
Billy Irving

Mr Irving has not been paid for a year and unable to work, is facing financial ruin.

His friends in Campbeltown where he grew up, have organised a fundraising dance for him on Saturday night to help him pay for his living costs.

Mr Irving’s father, Jim Irving, said: “It isn’t looking like he is going to be there for the birth.

“Yvonne is a stalwart. She is coping well, and is hoping to have the baby in Oban Hospital. Her health is first class, everything is good with the baby. It is just that she could do with a bit of moral support from her other half. She has her moments, but she puts a brave face on it.”

He added: “Billy’s friends in Campbeltown have been from day one supporting him 110%. They keep in contact, and anything they can do for him, they do it. The money apart, the feel good factor for Billy knowing he has friends like that is a big thing.

“Billy e-mails the foreign office in London and Chennai almost daily. He and Yvonne are feeling angry at the British Government for lack of visible support.

“We have done all we can do as a family by pestering politicians. It is in the hands of the court, we need to wait for them to decide when they are going to listen to it.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it can provide advice but not financial assistance.