A Moray man who has endured a living hell in an Indian jail for two years has spoken from behind bars about his battle to break free from the brutal regime.

Paul Harrison was arrested in 2013 after being implicated in a drugs smuggling plot.

The former soldier was taken from his home in the holiday resort of Goa to the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai – and has been fighting to clear his name ever since.

The 37-year-old, who is originally from Craigellichie, has always maintained his innocence.

Communication with family and friends is limited and he is not even allowed to use the phone.

However, this week he wrote to the Press and Journal, sharing the agony of his captivity.

“I am literally cut off from the world,” he said.

Mr Harrison has had repeated requests for bail rejected and only two out of 26 witnesses in his case have given evidence and been cross-examined so far.

The day before police raided his home, a man was arrested carrying a large haul of methadone across the Indian border.

Under interrogation, he named Mr Harrison as his contact, although his statement was reportedly retracted later.

The captive Scot said there were thousands of similar cases in the Indian legal system, some dating back 10 years, and called on the authorities back home to do more to help him.

He wrote: “You can imagine how difficult it is to keep in contact with people who are helping me and my family.

“My embassy has been a great help, although I wish the Foreign Secretary of UK would speak to his Indian equivalent and ask for a fast trial.”

Last night, a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: “We can confirm the detention of a British national in India. We are providing consular assistance.”

To read Mr Harrison’s letter and find out more about his ordeal, see the YL magazine free inside the Press and Journal today.