British plane spotters who have spent one month in Dubai jail have 'given up' hope
THREE British plane spotters who are about to spend their 31st night in a Dubai jail have "given up" hope, according to their families.
Conrad Clitheroe, 54, and Gary Cooper, 45, from Stockport, were arrested with ex-pat Neil Munro for threatening "national security" a month ago.
They have since been moved to a jail in Abu Dhabi where they are currently behind bars - despite no charges being brought against them.
Last week their custody license was extended by 28 days and Mr Clitheroe's wife Valerie fears the plane spotters time in jail is getting to them.
She said: "I think Conrad has given up. It's been such a long time now.
"We spoke on Sunday and it's just like there's been no progress. He said he doesn't care any more because there is no news and no home.
"He said last week a guy from the consulate took some books to the prison for them but they haven't been allowed to have them.
"They are just staring at the walls all day, every day.
I think Conrad has given up. It's been such a long time now
"We keep being told the paperwork is going through and it's a waiting game. But how long does it take to make a decision?
"The food is bad, he says, but they now have prison uniforms so they aren't wearing the same clothing.
"When they went to court everything was in Arabic - surely they should have everything properly translated?"
Mrs Clitheroe has written to Prime Minister David Cameron and regularly calls the Foreign Office for information.
However, despite receiving an e-mail saying Downing Street would get back to her they never did.
She said: "My MP Andrew Stunnell did call me but said that we can't interfere with their legal system unless there is a violation of human rights - I'd say that 31 days in prison without charge is one.
"I feel horrendous, it's like living on a knife-edge trying to go through normal motions, but nothing is really normal and I keep thinking something will happen but nothing does. It's just crazy."
Mrs Clitheroe speaks to her husband around three times a week.
The plane spotter has told her he keeps her picture in his wallet and looks at it every night before he goes to sleep in jail.
Their families have spent £9,000 for the men's legal fees and written to Number 10 asking for Mr Cameron's help.
A crowd-funding site set up by the men's work colleagues has raised more than £4,300.
