A plumber who spent more than five months languishing in a Greek jail is celebrating with his family after returning home.

A banner on the door of Fran Prenga’s Otley house simply saying “Welcome home Fran” marks the return of the 34-year-old who was detained in May by authorities in Greece on suspicion of more than 70 counts of armed robbery in Athens in 2004 and 2005.

He was also detained after being found guilty, in his absence, of unlawful possession of a weapon in relation to the crimes.

Last month he was found innocent of all the charges but after several weeks of delays branded “outrageous” he has finally been released and is now home with wife, Louise, and one-year-old daughter Maria as he attempts to re-build his life and business.

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland was among those who joined forces with Mrs Prenga to help fight for his constituent’s release and last night revealed his delight at the outcome.

But Mr Mulholland also confirmed the family will fight on for justice after Mr Prenga’s false imprisonment and the conditions he was kept in.

“I am delighted that Fran has finally been freed. However, despite being found not guilty he was kept in custody for a further two and a half weeks and outrageously was deported despite being an innocent man,” he said.

“He and his wife Louise, who has worked tirelessly to secure his release, have endured months of hell and Fran’s treatment at the hands of the Greek authorities has been disgusting.

“Fran was held in the country’s Amfissa Prison in atrocious conditions that breached European and international standards.

“His imprisonment has done significant damage to his health, the well-being of his family and his business here in Otley and we shall be taking the case of his flawed trail and subsequent false imprisonment further and if necessary to the European Court.

“I am pleased that the worst part of this ordeal is now over for Fran and that he is once again at home in Otley among loving friends and family.”