The Bradford solicitor of a Dutchman sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for international drug smuggling says he strongly maintains his innocence and will fight extradition to the UK.

Alias Yousaf, of Chambers Solicitors, has been in close contact with Jackie Heinen throughout his nine-day trial at Bradford Crown Court . Heinen, 53, e-mailed Mr Yousaf to tell him he could not afford to travel to Britain from the Netherlands to attend his trial.

He was convicted and sentenced in his absence on Thursday of two charges of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, as reported in yesterday’s Telegraph & Argus.

West Yorkshire Police immediately issued an International Arrest Warrant for him.

Mr Yousaf told the T&A he spoke to Heinen yesterday and his client was shocked by the length of the sentenced and frightened by the prospect of spending years behind bars in a British jail.

“He has maintained his innocence throughout – he is surprised and disappointed by the trial outcome,” Mr Yousaf said.

“He is seeking advice from his Dutch lawyers as soon as possible.”

Heinen was extradited from Holland last year but he was bailed to return to his homeland when the Crown’s case was delayed and the custody time limits were set to expire.

He spent six months behind bars on remand in the UK before leaving the country, pledging to return for his trial.

Three days before the case began, on Monday, August 13, Heinen e-mailed Mr Yousaf to say he could not afford to make the trip to the UK.

Mr Yousaf said Heinen was “living hand to mouth” after global recession hit his business.

He was expecting a knock on the door because the Dutch police knew where he was.

Mr Yousaf said the British police would apply to extradite him to the UK to serve his sentence.

“He would have to spend just under ten years in a British prison, which is a long time,” he said.

Heinen has always maintained his innocence, saying he was set up by continental hauliers.

He has been convicted of organising and co-ordinating a £100 million drugs ring that saw 12 tonnes of heroin and cannabis smuggled into Bradford in truckloads across Germany and France from the Netherlands.

The drugs were bound for Varey Shop Fitters in Jubilee Way, Windhill , Shipley .

Andrew Varey, 45, its former boss, and company secretary Maxine Robinson, 30, formerly of Fairbank Place, Shipley, are each serving 16- year jail sentences for their roles in the conspiracy.

They and Heinen were arrested after French Customs seized a £10 million drugs consignment in a random check on August 14, 2008.

It was the 14th similar delivery addressed to Varey Shop Fitters in less than six months.