Kolkata: "It has been a long struggle for me since 1995" was how a relieved Peter Bleach, convicted for life in the Purulia Arms drop case, chose to describe his ordeal after his release from jail today (Feb 4, 2004) and expressed his gratitude to the President for remitting his sentence.

Bleach, who was a free man after eight years in custody, told reporters at a press conference at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, "Nothing can replace the years I have lost. I feel vindicated that the Government of India has finally taken the decision to free me, as it did the five Latvians released in July 2000."

The British national said, "This is not the time for me to go into details of my case, but I wish to affirm that I stand by my convictions."

To a query, he said, "I have no plan to write my memoirs now. I should be returning to my family, I want to be with my mother who has been extremely upset.

"It has been a very long trial for her more than it has been for me," the Briton said. "My primary consideration is to get home and be with my mother."

Questioned whether the delay in his release was an injustice to him as the Latvians were released long ago, Bleach said at the packed news conference organised by the British Deputy High Commission, "I have nothing to say except that I express my gratitude to the President of India for exercising his powers in releasing me."

When asked about his alleged earlier claims that the British authorities were aware of the arms drop in Purulia, he refused to answer, saying that the was sub-judice before the Calcutta High Court where his appeal against the lower court sentence was pending.

Asked whether he would be safe in UK, especially in view of Kim Davy, the mastermind of the arms drop, who was still at large, he parried a direct answer and said, "I have read in the newspapers that it is very cold in London and I should probably die of exposure."