Man free for 'mercy mission'

Teesside magistrates agreed not to impose bail conditions on Rod Jones, 47, accused of illegally using the Red Cross symbol during 20 aid missions to eastern Europe, allowing him to set off for a Romanian orphanage with a convoy carrying medical supplies.

Unauthorised use of the symbol is a breach of the 1957 Geneva Convention Act. Mr Jones, of Middlesbrough, Cleveland, said he used it as protection against snipers. The case was adjourned until 28 April.