The real fugitive: Derek Sykes, who used to call himself Bond

Bristol pensioner Derek Bond, 72, spent three weeks in a South African prison, after being mistaken for the wanted man, by the FBI.

Derek Sykes - who had been using Mr Bond's identity - was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday evening.

Appearing at a hearing in Nevada, he denied one count of conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud and 17 counts of transporting stolen property.

DEREK BOND'S ORDEAL Feb 6: Arrested on arrival in South Africa Feb 10: Agreed to be extradited to US to clear his name Feb 14: US authorities discover Mr Bond is claiming mistaken identity Feb 25: US prosecutor tipped off about "real" Mr Sykes in Las Vegas Feb 26: Mr Bond released

The indictment accuses Mr Sykes and another man, Frank Bravo Jr, of soliciting fraudulent investments from people in a telephone calling card business spanning at least 17 US states.

Meanwhile, Mr Bond is expected to return to Britain in the next few days.

He was released on Wednesday after authorities determined he was not the man wanted by American authorities.

He was arrested during a wine-tasting holiday along South Africa's eastern coast.

Speaking after his release, a tearful Mr Bond said he had slept on a concrete floor and had been almost unable to eat.