Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear bosses threatened with 'three years in prison’ by Argentina prosecutors

Appeal judges reportedly order federal judge to reactivate case

Clarkson, May and Hammond ( Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear programme chiefs could reportedly face a prison sentence of up to three years if found guilty of “falsification”, after a court in Argentina ordered that an investigation into the claims should be reactivated.

Clarkson and his fellow former Top Gear hosts James May and Richard Hammond were accused of trying to provoke a reaction by driving through Argentina last year with the number plate H892 FKL, which some suggested was a reference to the Falklands War.

The controversial registration plate was swapped for one reading H1 VAE as unrest among locals grew. Changing plates is an offence in Argentina that can lead to a conviction for falsification.

The BBC insists the H892 FKL number plate on the Porsche was just an “unfortunate coincidence” and Maria Cristina Barrionuevo, a federal judge in the city of Ushuaia, decided against launching a offical investigation against Clarkson and the Top Gear team.

However, three appeal judges ordered Barrionuevo to reactivate the case, The Telegraph reports. Falsification carries a maximum three-year sentence.

Jeremy Clarkson angered India in 2012

The BBC declined to comment on the reports. The Independent has contacted representatives for Clarkson for comment.