A British paratrooper hero has been released from a Georgian prison after being held for three months for possessing legally prescribed medication for a spinal injury. Former sergeant Matthew 'Des' Desmond, 49, paid a £28,200 fine and over £30,000 in legal fees to secure his freedom, reportedly celebrating his release with a Big Mac.
Desmond was arrested on April 23 for entering Georgia with medication for a spinal injury sustained during a jump in Afghanistan. Despite declaring the drugs and presenting a prescription at the Turkish border, he was detained. He was held in Gldani Prison, described as notorious, where he reportedly received painkillers only every other day and struggled with withdrawal symptoms. His friends stated that for the first few weeks, he was in horrific pain and unable to communicate due to language barriers.
He pleaded guilty to importing narcotics and accepted a 20-year ban from entering Georgia. Following his release, he was escorted away by immigration authorities for deportation. Desmond served in the Parachute Regiment from 1995 until his retirement in 2018, with service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a decorated veteran, having received the Meritorious Service Medal.
Friends reported difficulty in locating Desmond after his arrest. It took eight days for them to ascertain his whereabouts and well-being, a period described as terrifying for his family and friends. Once located, they were able to appoint legal counsel and send him money for phone calls. His sister, Claire-Louise Rough, worked tirelessly to secure his release.
He was found with 112 tablets of buprenorphine, 50 tablets of codeine, and 39 capsules of pregabalin. Concerns were also raised about lost personal items, including photos from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, memorabilia, and his jacket, which were reportedly confiscated by authorities. A GoFundMe campaign has raised approximately £5,000 to support him.
