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Freed mercenary Simon Mann today called for Mark Thatcher to face justice' and said he was prepared to give evidence against him in court.
In his first interview since he was pardoned for conspiring to overthrow the Government in Equatorial Guinea, the former SAS soldier also called for Lebanese born London businessman Ely Calil to be prosecuted.
He said: “As far as I'm concerned, I am very anxious that Calil, Thatcher and one or two of the others, should face justice.”
Mann added he was extremely grateful' for his pardon and the way he was treated in Equatorial Guinea.
“I regret what happened in 2004,” he said. “It was wrong and I'm happy that we did not succeed.
“I am extremely grateful not only for my pardon but for the way in which I've been treated from the moment I arrived here in Equatorial Guinea in
2008.”
His comments came as he was facing an incredibly emotional reunion' with the five-year-old son he has never met, his family said today.
The ex-SAS soldier was landing at Luton airport on a private jet from Equatorial Guinea this afternoon after being released from prison.
Among the relatives waiting to welcome him back to Britain, were his seven children, including Arthur, the son he has never seen.
Lady Celia Norrie, Mann's cousin, today told the Standard it was wonderful' and a huge relief' to have him back in the UK.
The 66-year-old from Hungerford, Berkshire, said: “It's amazing that he's been released. It's wonderful news and a huge relief for us all. The most fantastic thing is he will be seeing his son for the first time. It's going to be a very emotional time for them both.”
The Old Etonion was pardoned by the country's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema for conspiring to topple the government in the tiny West African
state. He had served 15 months of his 34-year sentence in the country's notorious Black Beach prison.
Mann flew home with his sister Sarah Grootenhuis and brother Edward, who went out to meet him upon his release yesterday.
Lady Norrie added: “The family has really suffered since he's been locked up. When I first heard the news, it was horrible. We all asked why did he have to do it?. It was incredibly stupid of him, it's a ridiculous situation for him to get into as a married man with children.
“As an ex-member of the SAS, he has always lived a life of excitement, but this was going too far.
“It's remarkable they let him out. He was guilty but he did not deserve the sentence he was given. Thank God he is home.”
Reader views (21)
What a horrible wretch! Should be locked up here to do his 34 years. A bigger criminal than Ronnie Biggs and now looking for the gravy train.
- Roy G, Solihull, England
Simon Mann sounds incredibly naive for an ex-SAS man and he´s beginning to get up my nose a bit. Surely he must have realised when the planning for this coup started that he was being recruited to help others achieve power and wealth. It was no part of their plan to help him if he came unstuck. Governments do the same, don´t they? How often do we hear of somebody being arrested for spying while the government he works for deny the allegations, claim he is innocence or that they don´t even know him? Get into the real world, Mr Mann, and acknowledge the fact that you are incredibly lucky.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Books, film rights, interviews, they're all in the making but why not if he's got something to say about thoughs who think they've got away scot free. They should share the blame and take the same treatment. But like many say, they'll get away with it has money talks and lets face it if you're rich there's one law for them and one for the poor. Oh well he's done the crime and served the time, good luck.
- Barbara, West Midlands
There's an old saying - "When thieves fall out". They're
all low life so let's move on.
- Val Ruscheniko, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Hmmmm, comments....
"Model prisoner" - good move. He survived.
"Will testify" - another good move, he's been released - Stockholm Syndrome perhaps a consideration here?
No mention of other prisoners arrested with him being released - suggests ulterior motive over his release on the part of the authorities there.
He's safe enough - the conspiracy theorists concern about him being bumped off for what (they assume) he knows would be a big red flag that there was something to hide - a bad move on their part (if they exist - yeah yeah, "everyone knows...", if you happen to be a conspiracy theorist or are that way inclined, that is).
- Rogan, Irving
The film 'Wild Geese' came out before their escapade! One can almost see the end story.
- Tony, Herts
"Perhaps we will get the truth now, I hope the police question him about Mark Thatcher, then we will all know."
Sounds like you've already decided what the "truth" is.
- Rogan, Irving
Well done Simon Mann, now lets have the truth. Once a pilgrim always a Pilgrim (who dares wins)
- John D Rooney, lincoln england
It's a shame the coup wasn't successful- anyone who thinks Obiang is a model President should think again. He is in a long line of corrupt, self-obsessed, power-hungry and downright wicked African leaders, who have defaced that continent for too long. It was probably a bungling coup attempt, but they should all be congratulated for trying to bring about a change of leadership, which is so badly needed in that country.
As for Mark Thatcher being brought to justice, as long as no crime was committed on British soil then he surely has no charge to answer?
- Richard, London
Without diminishing what he and others were going to undertake, at least he apologised and accepted that he was wrong, first step towards becoming reformed.
- Gerald, London
I agree, Mann better check his life insurance pronto.
Also there is bound to be a movie. He better hope that he can see it.
- Macdangler, Wimbledon SW19
If he rats on Thatcher, his body will never be found.
- Neil, London, London UK
With all those probably guilty co-conspirators out there, including, some reports say, the UK Government, if I was Simon Mann I would be a worried man now, lest some 'accident' befall me. I just hope he can ensure that all the other guilty men face the music as he has had to do these last five years.
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
Wasn´t Mann ex SAS? He was paid handsomely, no doubt, to do what he did and to take the inherent risks.
What type of officer and gentleman is he to spill the beans? Had everything worked as he and the others had hoped he would be smiling all the way to the bank in Switzerland.
What´s the old expression - If you can´t take the heat get out of the kitchen.
- Peter Glazier, Sao Paulo, Brazil
I didn't think Coup was a particularly good piece and surely a remake will be possible.
Watch Mark Thatcher wriggle out of this. Should never have been allowed to inherit his father's title; Sir Denis was a decent sort who'd turn in his grave if he could see what he's spawned.
Anyway, good drills Mr Mann - well done sir!
- Paul, London, Great Britain
Never had much time for Mann until now - but he's willing to expose Mark Thatcher the he's ok by me.
- Barry, Welwyn England
I am sorry Graham, the movie has already been made. It is Coup
- Patrick, Dalston
Agreed, roll on the movie
- Mattk, Ware
Perhaps we will get the truth now, I hope the police question him about Mark Thatcher, then we will all know.
- Brian Smith, chonburi Thailand
The general concensus is that poor old Simon Mann was stitched up royally by the powers that mess in African politics.
- Hansel, London
With all his wealth I would not have thought that the President of Equatorial Guinea needed a paltry £200,000. Can´t wait for the movie though. Simon Mann can play himself. He´s already been in one movie for Granada TV called Bloody Sunday. Bound to be a box office smash.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
