Dumbarton's MSP has appealed to Nicola Sturgeon to use her influence to urge the UK Government to provide assistance to the family of an imprisoned Dumbarton man.

Speaking during First Minister's Questions yesterday (March 21), Jackie Baillie raised the subject of the continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal, known as Jaggi.

Last Monday marked the former Our Lady and St Patrick's pupil's 500th day locked up in India and saw hordes of supporters take to social media to share the hashtag FreeJaggiNow.

He was initially arrested back in November 2017 as he prepared to return to Scotland following his wedding.

Authorities have accused him of funding a Sikh extremist group responsible for targeted killings of right-wing Hindus.

However, no evidence has yet been led against him.

Ms Baillie said: "The First Minister will be aware that my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal has spent more than 500 days detained in prison in the Punjab.

"There have been accusations of torture and he has now faced his 77th pre-trial preliminary hearing.

"His MP, Martin Docherty-Hughes, is to be commended for pursuing the matter vigorously.

"Will the First Minister use her influence and speak to the Foreign Secretary and the United Kingdom Government to urge them to provide support and assistance to Mr Johal and his family?"

Read more: MP Martin Docherty-Hughes presses Theresa May on continued detention of Jaggi

The First Minister responded: "I thank Jackie Baillie for raising this issue.

"I know that she has raised it previously and she is right to say that Martin Docherty-Hughes MP has been assiduous in raising the rights and situation of his constituent.

"We have raised this issue and we will continue to do so.

"The Deputy First Minister has raised it directly with Indian ministers on recent visits to India and with the British high commission.

"I believe—although I will double-check this—that we have raised the issue directly with the Foreign Office.

"If not, I am happy to undertake that we will do so."

Ms Baillie's comments come one week after West Dunbartonshire MP Mr Docherty-Hughes pressed Theresa May during Prime Minister's Questions over concerns that enough isn't being done to help the family.

Mr Docherty Hughes tweeted that he was "grateful" to Ms Baillie for also raising the case in the Scottish Parliament.