Simon Mann, the British mercenary freed from a 34-year sentence in Equatorial Guinea, has expressed gratitude for the support he has received since his release. Mann, 57, was pardoned on Monday for his role in a failed 2004 coup attempt.
In his first public statement since returning to the UK, Mann described his release as the 'best early Christmas present' for his family. He posed for photographs with his wife, Amanda, and met his son Arthur, who was born after Mann left Britain.
'Amanda and I want to thank everyone for the warmth that has been shown to us since my return. We now need some time on our own to be with our family and friends,' Mann said. 'There hasn't been a moment during the last five and a half years when I have not dreamt of one day being back in Britain with my family.'
Mann also reiterated his desire to see others allegedly involved in the coup, including Sir Mark Thatcher, face prosecution. 'As far as I'm concerned I am very anxious that Calil, Thatcher and one or two of the others, should face justice,' he stated.
