TWO North-East men arrested and accused of illegally importing gun silencers into the US may be allowed to return home later this week after a meeting today.

George Hope and Garry Latcham, of Howden-le-Wear, County Durham, remain in a North Carolina jail since their arrest at Raleigh-Durham International Airport more than two weeks ago.

The families have pleaded for the release of the pair, who they say made an honest mistake taking the £38 silencers as a gift for friend Peter Slivinski.

Mr Slivinkski, 56, who lives in Roxboro, North Carolina, said: “I have known Garry since 1998, when we trained in maintenance together and we have kept in touch.

“It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, but this is just one of those things.

“They didn’t know because silencers are legal in your country, but here they are not.

“Our hopes are up that they are going to work something out.”

Douglas Kinsberry, the attorney representing 43-yearold father-of-two Mr Latcham, said yesterday: “We are meeting on Monday morning with the chief of the criminal section in an effort to convince him to either dismiss all charges, or to at least reduce the charge to a misdemeanour.

If we are successful on either count, the men could be back in England as early as this week.”

Although the men’s families have declined to talk to The Northern Echo, they left emotional comments on a website last week.

A message attributed to the family of Mr Hope, who is 41 and from Bridge Street, in the village, reads: “We are all extremely upset and life has come to a standstill, not daring to move from the phone.

“George is a good, caring, hardworking, loving, family man. His wife, three children and granchild await his safe return.

“We hope this misunderstanding can be drawn to a close soon.”

Another comment from Susan, Garry Latcham’s partner, reads: “I am living in hell and just want this to be over so we can get back to our family life. I am praying, while shedding many tears, that this is seen for the genuine mistake that it is and Garry is sent home.”