A decorated British paratrooper hero is set to be released from a Georgian prison this week after being detained for possessing legally prescribed drugs. Former sergeant Matthew 'Des' Desmond, 49, faces a total bill of up to £60,000, including a £28,200 fine, legal fees, and costs incurred during his imprisonment.
Desmond was arrested on April 23 when he declared the medications upon crossing into Georgia from Turkey on his motorcycle. Despite possessing paperwork proving the drugs were prescribed for a spinal injury sustained during a jump in Afghanistan, he was charged with importing narcotics due to a lack of local authorization.
He was found with buprenorphine, codeine, and Pregabalin, substances classified as psychotropic. Lawyers submitted documentation in May to confirm the drugs were for private medical use, but he remained in custody.
During a hearing at Tbilisi City Court, a plea bargain was reached between the prosecution and defense. The court adjourned the hearing until Thursday, when Desmond is expected to be released and return to his home in Nottingham. His legal representative, Jaba Kochlamazashvili, stated that the release is imminent, with the primary remaining issue being the collection of the fine.
Friends and family have launched a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs, with approximately £2,000 raised towards the £60,000 target. Brian Humphries and Claire Rough, who set up the fundraiser, described Desmond as a retired, decorated, and wounded serviceman whose release and associated costs will consume his life savings.
Desmond served in the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 Para) from 1995 to 2018, with service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. His past military actions in Afghanistan, including rescuing a fallen comrade under fire and engaging a Taliban commander, were previously highlighted in the media and documented in the book 'Desperate Glory'.
He had traveled through 25 countries on his motorcycle before his attempted entry into Georgia. He is currently held at Gldani Prison, which has previously faced significant criticism regarding prisoner treatment, though recent reports indicate improvements.