MICHAEL Wills has written two letters to the foreign secretary in a bid to raise awareness for a Swindon man trapped in a Filipino jail.

The North Swindon MP said he has been working behind the scenes in attempts to free Kevin Taylor, 43, of Stratton, who was arrested near Manila on May 15.

The former BMW worker, who strongly denies taking part in any illegal activity, has been charged with illegal recruitment after police suspected him of recruiting Filipino residents for non-existent jobs in other countries including the UK.

He, along with his wife and several other staff from his company – Taylor’s Visa and Travel Consultancy – were arrested in a suburb of the capital city, where the business is located.

His wife, who has just given birth to the couple’s third child, has so far been spared any prison time because of the pregnancy.

Mr Taylor, who suffered a mild heart attack before originally being featured in the Adver on June 4, has been in prison for 64 days and has lost more than two stone during his stay.

More than a week ago he was transferred to a high security prison and is now sharing with 88 prisoners in one small cell.

Charlene Tambago, Kevin’s wife, said his health has deteriorated as a result of the imprisonment but she remains upbeat about Kevin’s second appearance before a judge on July 29.

She said: “Things are getting more and more difficult now since Kevin was transferred at the San Mateo City Jail. It is more crowded as there are 88 prisoners in one very small cell.

“There are more violent prisoners as these are local criminals, and there are no other foreign nationals in there.

“He is not allowed to call his embassy or see a doctor.

“There is no morning exercise and he is not allowed any sunlight. I do not know how long we will all survive this struggle.

“All I have now is my fate, love and courage. My tears are not enough I know, but then what else I have to do?”

Michael Wills said he sent the letters directly to David Miliband in a bid to keep the cabinet minister aware of Kevin’s case. He said: “I am trying to do what I can for him in these difficult circumstances.

“I have written to Kevin and I am keeping in touch with him letting him know I am doing what I can. Although there are only certain channels I can follow, everything has to go through the Foreign Office.”

Kevin’s mother, Marie Taylor, said: “We are pleased that Michael Wills is working through these channels and trying to get things done.

“We are very happy to go along with these efforts. We remain worried for Kevin as the circumstances he is in remain uncertain.”