1976: Death sentence for mercenaries

Three Britons and an American have been sentenced to death by firing squad for their mercenary roles during the Angolan civil war.

A further nine men were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 16 to 30 years at the People's Revolutionary Tribunal in Luanda.

Ernesto Teixeira da Silva, one of five judges presiding over the case, said: "Africa feels mercenaries are a danger to the people, the children and to the security of the state. They spread fear, shame and hatred in Angola."

Costas Georgiou and Andrew McKenzie, who both served in the British army, were given the death sentence for participating in the killing of two Angolan citizens and fellow mercenaries.

American Daniel Gearhart was sentenced to death for advertising himself as a mercenary in an American newspaper.

I don't feel sorry for them

Recruiter John Banks

