Darryll Holland released from custody in Cyprus

DARRYLL HOLLAND has been released from custody in Northern Cyprus and is free to return home.

Darryll Holland: returning home

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker   

According to his father-in-law Peter Merchant, Holland was collected by his wife Jacqui from the police station where he had been detained since early last week without having to appear in court.

Holland was expected to attend a hearing in Kyrenia, with another Briton named as John Tabor, nine days after his arrest over an incident involving counterfeit money. He had denied any wrongdoing.

Merchant said: "Darryll was released this morning and all we have heard from Jacqui is that the police are apologising like hell. It didn't even go to court.

"She has picked him up from the police station and we are awaiting further news. It's a great relief."

Holland's release was confirmed by the Foreign Office, who said Tabor was due to appear in court on Thursday.

Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, on Thurday expressed his delight at Holland's release. "I am very pleased that this matter has been resolved, and Darryll will be on his way back to Britain as soon as possible," he said.

Read more in Friday's Racing Post - buy the online newspaper from 9am