Holland freedom rests on Thursday court date

DARRYLL HOLLAND will appear in court in Northern Cyprus on Thursday for a hearing that is expected to determine whether he will be released from the prison he has occupied since being arrested last week in connection with an incident involving counterfeit money.

Holland and John Tabor were detained in Kyrenia, a coastal town in the Turkish-controlled side of Cyprus, nine days ago after an attempt was made to buy a mobile phone with what were believed to be fake US dollars.

Darryll Holland: still in Cyprus jail

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

Holland has denied any wrongdoing but he and Tabor, who is reported to have sometimes driven jockeys to racecourses, will discover on Thursday whether they face a trial. The hearing could result in the jockey being released, put on bail or remanded in custody until the date of the trial - if one is required.

Holland, who has not ridden in Britain since October 24, is expected to be supported at the hearing by his wife Jacqui, who has flown back from a business trip in Barbados.

"I understand Darryll's wife flew over today so I am waiting to hear back," Holland's agent David Harrison said. "I've not done anything about booking any rides for Darryll until we know what is happening."

In addition, the Foreign Office are providing consular assistance for Holland.