Fugitive tycoon returns

Nadir, 69, returned to Britain last month to finally face his charges after 17 years on the run.

In an exclusive interview with Sky, as the news team travelled with him, he said the he remained on the run because of the fear that he would not be given a fair trial. However time has come to clear his name, he said.

His appearance in court was scheduled at nine at the Old Bailey to hear charges that he stole £34 million from his billion-pound company.

Polly Peck, the company, collapsed in 1990 to the surprise of many. Three years later, Mr Nadir fled Britain to go to Northern Cyprus, his native land, as he was facing 66 counts of theft.

“My biggest strength was knowing my definite innocence and innocent people shouldn’t be afraid,” Mr Nadir said. “We’ve a mission to fulfill. Somehow, having endured this injustice for 20 years, I feel it’s time now to put closure to this in a most acceptable way.”

Nadir had managed to transform the company from a textile firm into a global business empire, dealing with everything from fruit to fashion.