Torture claims over Briton in Saudi jail

British Foreign Office officials are investigating reports that one of four Britons sentenced to flogging in Saudi Arabia was tortured in jail.

The British Ambassador in Riyadh was arranging to meet high-ranking Saudi officials to make clear Britain's opposition to the flogging sentences, which it regards as an infringement of human rights.

The four men are facing 1,600 lashes between them and up to two-and-a-half years in jail after being convicted last month of illegally dealing alcohol.

They are Paul Moss, 31, from Merseyside, Ken Hartley, Kevin Hawkins, from Lancaster, and his son-in-law Dave Mornin, 49, a former fireman from Greenock.

The men still have time to appeal against their sentences and it is hoped the lashings could be commuted to longer prison terms.

But according to reports one of the men has already been beaten on the soles of his feet and prevented from using the toilet during his detention.

The last Briton to be flogged in Saudi Arabia was John Kelly, from Dorset, who was given 250 lashes in 1985.

- INDEPENDENT