A sister campaigning to clear the name of a Cumbrian former soldier, says “justice will never be done”.

Joanne Thomlinson has never given up on her brother, John Armstrong, who was arrested in October 2013 for crimes he insists he did not commit.

The Wigton ex-Paratrooper is one of six Britons – known as the Chennai 6 – currently serving a five-year jail sentence in India, after being convicted in January 2016 of illegally possessing firearms in international waters.

The families of the Britons – who are among 35 anti-piracy workers all sentenced together – yesterday marked the four-year anniversary of their arrest, with a lobby in the House of Commons, followed by a petition handover at Downing Street.

Joanne, 32, from Blennerhasset, told The Cumberland News : “I don’t see this as a campaign for justice anymore; this is a campaign for freedom.

“Justice can never be done: even if the men are released tomorrow, they will never get back those four years.

“John was 26 when he was arrested, but has just turned 30. He’s missed out on so much of his young life – and we’ve missed out on sharing so much with him.”

In a bid to highlight the impact of those ‘lost’ four years, the 408,000-signature was handed over by five-year-old Josh and William Irving, two.

Josh hasn’t seen his uncle John, since he was one: the little boy does not remember the man himself, recognising him only from photographs and Skype calls when John was on bail.

William’s dad, Billy, is one of the other five Britons in jail alongside John. His mum, Yvonne MacHugh, fell pregnant while visiting her boyfriend – now fiance – while on bail, and so William has only ever seen his dad in India.

Joanne, Yvonne and Lisa Dunn – whose brother Nick is imprisoned – joined forces with other campaigners and well-wishers to host a lobby in the House of Commons yesterday morning.

Each of the women spoke, before speeches were also given by MPs, including Rory Stewart, and the mens’ lawyer, Stephen Askins.

In her speech, Joanne echoed the call for the Government to step up and take action to bring the men home.

“It’s easy for the British Government to tell these men how many times their cause has been raised and who discussions have been held with,” she said, “and expect them sitting in their cells to be grateful for that. But actions speak louder than words.

“I urge you to put yourselves in these mens’ shoes. Would you feel, four years down the line, that the British Government had done everything within their power to help you?

“Or would you feel that those who have the power and responsibility to help you had stood by and let this happen?

“I know how my brother feels.”

The men were sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegally possessing firearms – a charge which they have always vehemently denied.

The campaign has picked up traction in recent months, with television stars including Charlie Lawson and John Bowe both publicly calling for the men to be freed.

Bowe made the trip to the capital yesterday, to give his public backing to the Chennai 6.