A RETIRED businessman extradited to the US over allegations he tried to sell batteries for missiles to Iran is due to attend a bail hearing today.

Christopher Tappin, aged 65, is currently in a jail in the New Mexico desert where he is being kept in solitary confinement, at his own request.

The father-of-two, from Farnborough Park, Orpington, made a five minute court appearance in El Paso, Texas on Tuesday following his extradition last Friday.

It is reported he is being held in his cell for 23 hours a day with the light permanently on.

He has had no contact with his family other than a very brief conversation on the phone with his wife Elaine, 62, on Wednesday when she rang his US lawyer.

Her husband happened to be with him at the time.

Mr Tappin, who denies the charges against him, faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.