A Bradford businessman who spent more than a week languishing in an African jail for a crime he did not commit has told the Telegraph & Argus that he feels lucky to be alive.

Jacques Lapergue, founder of the Antique Glass Studio in Bierley, was arrested for murder in Chipata, Zambia, after he found a corpse in the street.

Before he was taken to the police he said he was beaten "half to death" by a mob.

Speaking from Lusaka, Zambia, where he is recuperating at a friend's house, he said: "I went for a 3am walk as I had heard of full moon drum parties in the area.

"A group of people attacked me so violently clubbing me on the head that I bled over my shirt. I immediately knew the situation was serious ."

Mr Lapergue, a devout Christian, had spotted a body on the ground a few feet away from him moments before he was attacked by the mob.

He said: "I just blessed them and told them that Jesus loved them and that I forgave them, thinking I was an unwanted witness to a crime.

They strangled me and beat me. My concern became how long it would take for me to die.

"I was tossed about in all directions and they carried me like a dead animal. I thought they were going to dispose of my body but they took me to the police. I could not believe I was still alive."

Mr Lapergue's injuries were so severe that he was put into intensive care in the town's hospital. He said: "I was handcuffed to a bed and protected by the army with machine guns day and night.

"The whole town wanted my skin - a criminal in a very dark corner of Africa - an Africa I love so much."

On his release from hospital Mr Lapergue was charged with murder and taken into police custody. He said: "My first night in jail the conditions were atrocious. Totally inhuman. I suffered so much. There were 80 of us crushed like sardines, there were feet in the back of my head and in my face. We were completely packed against each other.

"If I moved at all I had to dislodge everybody and you have to be careful in a jail because not everybody would be nice about that. It was the worst I had felt in my life."

Mr Lapergue was incarcerated in the cramped cell between 4pm and 8am every night for a week. He said when the prisoners got together it was a "phenomenal" time.

He said: "When we could leave the cell it was wonderful, I met some lovely people and we would sing and talk about God - it was like heaven on Earth. The whole jail was vibrant at times."

Mr Lapergue, a French national, praised the French Embassy staff. Consul Sandar Chanemougam travelled for six hours from the Zambian capital Lusaka twice to see him in Chipata.

Charges against Mr Lapergue were dropped due to a lack of evidence after more than a week in prison.

He said: "I was flabbergasted when my own Consul after ten days found me and shook my hand with the assurance that he would do all what he can to help in that difficult situation.

"Within five days he was back to drive me away to his own house in Lusaka."

Mr Lapergue also thanked his MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Yorkshire and Humber MEP Richard Corbett for their support during his ordeal.

He said: "Thank you to the dear politicians. This is a huge tax return."

Mr Lapergue plans to return to Bradford within the month.