A MAN who spent an agonising 19 months in a Czech jail has been freed by a judge on the second day of his trial. 

Lakhbir Sandhu had been detained in Prague since January 8, 2019, and was kept in custody for months without being charged.

Mr Sandhu was eventually charged in Jaunary this year with tax evasion but has always strongly protested his innocence.

But on the second day of his trial, the prosecution did not object to the judge’s ruling to release him from custody.

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The move does not mean the case has been dropped. The charges remain in place and the family say "there is still a long wasy to go". 

Mr Sandhu's plight was initially raised by his dad, Kulbir Sandhu, who lives in Westcliff, with MP Sir David Amess. 

Echo: Visit - Sir David Amess and Kulbir Sandhu visiting Lakhbir in jailVisit - Sir David Amess and Kulbir Sandhu visiting Lakhbir in jail

Sir David has since met with the family a number of times and has visited Lakhbir Sandhu in the Czech jail.

He had also lobbied on the family's behalf through the British Embassy in the Czech Republic. 

Lakhbir arrived home on Saturday. 

In a statement, Lakhbir family said: “We are absolutely delighted that Lakhbir is home.

"After an agonising 19 months and 13 days, his solicitor called us on Friday morning informing us that Lakhbir was being released from custody.

"There is still a long way to go as the case is still ongoing and the charges have not been dropped.

"The family would like to express our utmost gratitude to Sir David Amess, the British Embassy, Jiri Slovacek for his excellent defence, all of our relatives and friends, Lak’s friends, our #Justice4Lak friends.

"We would not have been able to get through this without their support.”

Sir David added: “Having stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr Sandhu and his family throughout this ordeal, I am absolutely delighted with this news.

"How it ever got to this situation in the first place is baffling to say the least. In the course of time I do hope the truth of this whole sorry saga will be revealed.

"Until then I join with the family in celebrating what is a very happy moment.”