A Chiswick pilot wrongly accused of training the September 11 terrorists can claim compensation thanks to a Court of Appeal ruling.

Lofti Raissi, an Algerian who was held in jail for four-and-a-half months, also wants an apology from the Government.

It is thought a compensation payment could be in the millions thanks to yesterday's court judgement.

Lord Justice Hooper said: "The public labelling of the appellant as a terrorist by the authorities in this country, and particularly by the CPS, over a period of many months has had and continues to have, so it is said, a devastating effect on his life and on his health."

Initially Mr Raissi had been told he would not be able to claim for damages - a decision backed by the High Court.

The 33-year-old had been held ten days after the New York terrorist attacks after the FBI called for his arrest.

Mr Raissi who is qualified to fly Boeing 737 jets faced being extradited to the States but he was freed after no evidence of terrorist links was put forward.

The ruling also claimed the extradition proceedings were used to secure Mr Raissi's detention in order to allow US authorities time to provide evidence of a terrorist offence.

Speaking after the ruiling Mr Raissi said: "I am very glad. I always had faith in British justice.

"Surely I can expect to hear from the home secretary with the long-awaited apology very soon."

Scotland Yard and Ministry of Justice are reported to be considering appealing against the ruling.