Mercenary Simon Mann returns at Luton Airport

The recently pardoned ex SAS soldier Simon Mann was finally reunited yesterday with the family at Luton airport.

The so-called “Wonga coup” collapsed when Mann and a team of up to 70 mercenaries were held on an airport runway in Harare, Zimbabwe, in March 2004. During his trial, Mann claimed that Sir Mark, the disgraced son of the former Prime Minister, was “part of the management team” in the plot to install Severo Moto, the Equatorial Guinea opposition leader.

He also named several other prominent figures who allegedly helped to organise and finance the plot in London, including Mr Calil, a Lebanese-Nigerian tycoon and friend of Lord Mandelson, whom Mann said masterminded the plan. Mr Calil has always denied the claims.

No Metropolitan Police officers were waiting for Mann yesterday, although police sources confirmed that they intended to speak to him “very soon”. A spokesman said: “We can confirm we are investigating whether any offences may have been disclosed in this country. We are aware of developments but are not prepared to discuss them further.”

Arriving in a private jet, Mann, 57, said it was the “most wonderful homecoming I could ever have imagined”. He is likely to receive lucrative offers from publishers and newspapers seeking answers to questions that remain over the bungled 2004 plot to topple Equatorial Guinea’s government.

The former SAS soldier touched down at Luton at 1.32pm, having been released from his Equatorial Guinea prison cell 33 years earlier than expected. He said that he was looking forward to meeting his youngest son, whom he had never met. 

“I’m especially looking forward to meeting my son Arthur, who was born a few months after I left the country and whom consequently I have never seen. I am hugely grateful to President Mbasogo for releasing me. It’s the best early Christmas present my family and I could ever have imagined.”