SELF-styled relief worker John Boast, accused of child smuggling in Romania, is due in court tomorrow to start the fight to clear his name.

But he could be in for a long wait before his future is decided.

The former Great Harwood businessman has been prevented from leaving the trouble-torn country since the accusation came to light.

He was officially accused of the offence last month and the trial, at the county criminal court in the northern town of Oradea, will centre on the disappearance of a baby from a local orphanage last year.

The child was later handed over to a Yorkshire couple at an M1 service station in Britain. Mr Boast is accused of being an accessory to an illegal border crossing, a charge which British Embassy officials believe has never been brought in Romania before.

They are in regular contact with Mr Boast's lawyers.

One official said: "The trial should start on Friday, but that could just be a formal opening and it is expected that the defence will ask for an adjournment to prepare their case."

Mr Boast, 46, has said he fears being sent to a Romanian prison for up to five years if he is found guilty.

But he has proclaimed his innocence and continued his aid work despite the impending court case.

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