A FORMER Poole man being held on suspicion of committing eight murders in the USA has made a desperate plea for help from his Spanish prison cell.

Mark Merteith Ross is facing extradition in less than a fortnight but claims he is the victim of mistaken identity and is protesting his innocence.

The 46-year-old says he has been confused with a Canadian citizen, Mark Monteith Ross, and his case has been taken up by the respected pressure group Fair Trials Abroad.

Now he and his lawyer have appealed to anyone who may remember his days in Poole to come forward in a bid to prove his identity.

Mr Ross is being accused Poole man of having links with the notorious Outlaws gang in Florida who are said to be involved in drug-trafficking, extortion, contract murders, gun-running, rape and prostitution.

Mark Ross was born on November 25, 1957 in the Langnan ward at Poole Hospital and spent his early childhood in the area.

His parents were Graham Ross, a medical practitioner, and Jean, formerly Phillips, who lived in accommodation at Hambro House, Poole Hospital at the time of their son's birth. Both have since died.

Fair Trials Abroad lawyer Sabine Zanker said Mr Ross, a lorry driver, has lived in various European countries for many years.

He was first arrested in 1997 in Holland but was released after the Dutch authorities concluded there was not enough evidence to extradite him, she added.

He was arrested again in Madrid last September and has been in custody ever since. A decision about whether or not to extradite him will be taken on November 11.

"If anyone remembers him it is vital that they come forward quickly," said Ms Zanker. "Their evidence could be very important."

Ms Zanker claims Mr Ross's fingerprints do not match those held in the USA and his tattoos are different from those of the alleged killer.

He has a skull and the words Harley Davidson tattooed on his right bicep - the alleged murderer has the word Outlaw in the same place.

Ms Zanker fears fingerpints and photographs sent to the USA in 1997 may now be being used against him inadvertently.

Anyone who can help should call Sabine Zanker on 08454-561791 or 07885 246508 or the Echo newsdesk on 01202 296502.

First published: October 30