Christopher Tappin

The family of retired businessman Christopher Tappin are said to be “relieved” after a trial date was finally announced following his extradition to America in February.

Mr Tappin, 65, of Farnborough Park, Orpington will begin his trial on November 5 facing charges of conspiring to sell components for Iranian missiles.

Earlier this year he spent 60 days in Otero County prison, in New Mexico, before being released on bail in April and is now living in Houston, Texas awaiting his trial.

In a statement released today, the Tappin family said: “Despite the much-welcomed support from friends and strangers alike, the emotional, financial and psychological impact of extradition on all the family is hard to overstate.

“Whilst Chris’ living conditions are immeasurably better since he was granted bail in April, we remain a family divided by 5000 miles.”

If convicted, the former president of the Kent Golf Union could face up to 35 years in an American jail.

His family added: “We are relieved to now have a date on which we are all focused. We trust this will bring an end to this ordeal for us all.”