A Nottinghamshire village is bursting with joy after a prisoner of war who was sentenced to death was released. Aiden Aslin, of Balderton, was one of five UK prisoners of war that was released on Wednesday, September 21.
The 28 year old was fighting for Ukraine in Mariupol when he was captured by Russian forces, and on June 9, he was sentenced to death along with fellow Briton Shaun Pinner. Saudi Arabia had been mediating talks between Ukraine and Russia over the release of 10 prisoners of war, which included Aiden Aslin, all of which have been released.
Aiden has landed in the UK and was met by family members at Heathrow Airport. Neighbours in his home village of Balderton are thrilled to see his safe return, and say his family must be "over the moon."
Read More: Aiden Aslin's mum's 'huge relief' as son freed from Russian forces
Neighbour to Aiden's family in Balderton, David Lane, 80, said: "It's great for the family. I've known him since he was a little boy, he's a great guy, he never did anything wrong, not in my eyes anyway.
"I'm just glad and happy for the family. I couldn't believe it when it came up on the television. We are very very pleased."
Balderton resident Nicola Wiltshire, 53, said: "I just think it's amazing, you hear everything on the news and see it in the paper but I just saw it last night and it was on Facebook this morning to say that they have actually been released. It's fantastic news, these injustices are just not fair."
Retired, Neil Barton, 63, of Balderton, said: "I've just heard that he's been released. I'm glad that they are all alive."
A 65-year-old Balderton resident who did not wish to be named said: "That's wonderful news, it's just brilliant."
Many residents welcome the good news of Aiden's return, and say they are happy to have some good news. Balderton resident, Sue Hind, 60, said: "It's just amazing, it's nice to have good news to say what could have happened.
"Fantastic news for a change. You just can't imagine can you."
Retired, Jean Taylor, 73, of Balderton, said: "I heard it on the radio this morning, it's brilliant. It must be such a relief.
"That's fantastic, that is amazing. It's really good news, it's nice to have good news for a change.
"I thought he would be executed. He's been out there quite a while before it happened, he had a girlfriend and he was in the army."
Butcher, Stuart Robb, 48, of Balderton, said: "It didn't look good for the poor lad, unfortunately. It's nice that he's on his way home, really nice."
"I bet his mum's over the moon." Manager of Balderton Dry Cleaners, Gail Weston, 58, of Newark, added: "It's great, I think it's good news."
Many residents in the area had followed Aiden's story right from the beginning, and are happy to see him released. Retired, Martin Zadvinskis, 64, of Balderton, said: "I've followed it from the beginning and its been in the news and the paper.
"I think it would have been a bit harsh if they had carried out their threat. I think on balance there was no need for that.
"He's like anybody who lives there, it's inevitable to be called up. He was living there and that was his home, so it's instinctive really to protect it."
Councillor Keith Girling, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Armed Forces Champion, is also pleased to see Aiden on his way home. He said: “We are extremely relieved to hear that Aiden Aslin and four other British prisoners of war have been finally released and can now return to see their family and friends after what has been a terribly traumatic and worrying experience for them all.
"I know residents across the district have been following Aiden’s story closely and, like me, will be delighted to see he is coming home.”
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