A NEILSTON man trapped in India has posted a video message to say happy New Year to “heartbroken” family members.

Billy Irving, 37, has been mired in a court battle after being accused of being in possession of illegal firearms more than two years ago.

He and more than 30 others were arrested after allegedly straying into Indian waters with weapons and ammunition while working for a private security contractor.

And even though the court case against them has finished its proceedings, the family was told that he would have to wait until January 11 to get a decision on his fate.

In the message, posted on the Bring Billy Back Facebook page, he said: “I would just like to thank everyone for their kind words and their amazing support, it really has helped me through the last two years, and I just have a quick message to say Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a fantastic 2016.

“Thank you very much.”

Billy was working for a private security contractor supplying security to commercial shipping companies in international waters when the boat he was on was seized by the Indian authorities.

Indian authorities swooped on the US firm’s ship, MV Seaman Gaurd Ohio on October 12, 2013, claiming it had strayed into Indian waters and that the men in board did not have the correct documentation for their guns and ammunition.

And his family have expressed their “heartbreak” that he has missed another Christmas, and his son William’s first one.

His fiancee, Yvonne MacHugh, 27, is still living in Neilston with 11 month old William.

In a message posted on the Bring Billy Back page, his family said: “Gutted, heartbroken and deflated doesn’t even cover our emotions today.

“The last day of the trial is finally complete, and while we are relieved it is over, we now need to deal with the heart wrenching news that a decision will not be made until January 11.

“A third Christmas in India for Billy, with no friends, no family, and no Christmas cheer. Missing his sons first Christmas and not being able to be here to watch him open his presents and enjoy a day surrounded by family.

“It’s all wrong. It’s all unfair. It’s just not right.”

“A extremely long and emotional wait until a verdict is given. We can now only pray the right verdict is reached and Billy will be home for his son’s first birthday in February. “Thank you for all your support, we would all be lost without it.”

Five other British nationals were on the ship, including Nick Dunn, of Ashington, Northumberland, Ray Tindallfrom Chester, Paul Towers from Pocklington, North Yorkshire, John Armstrong from Wigton, Cumbria and Nicholas Simpson, from Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it could provide advice but not financial assistance to the men, During their time awaiting trial, and before bail was granted, Billy and the other men were locked up in Puzhal Prison.

Kirsten Oswald, East Renfrewshire’s MP has also waded in on the argument.

As the SNP’s spokeswoman on armed forces and defence, Yvonne is hoping Oswald will have the clout to create change.

Oswald said: “I have been taking a close interest in Billy’s case, and I have been doing everything I can to try and make sure that every assistance is being given to Billy and his shipmates, to facilitate their speedy return home.

“I know that being held in India has been incredibly hard for Billy.”