It is outrageous that the judge suggested deaf and disabled people were often used as drugs couriers

Stephen Jakobi, Fair Trials Abroad

His case is supported by human rights group Fair Trials Abroad, which said Mr Stillman's deafness was not even discussed because of previous rulings.

Mr Stillman lost an appeal against his conviction in January this year at the Indian High Court in Simla, north of Delhi, which refused to accept he is deaf.

He was jailed after being arrested in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Stephen Jakobi, of Fair Trials Abroad said: "In my long experience of international drug cases I have never heard of a deaf person being used as a courier.

"I am also appalled by the fact Mr Stillman's deafness was not discussed purely because of a previous ruling.

Mr Stillman's father recently met his son in jail

"It is outrageous that the judge in this hearing suggested deaf and disabled people were often used as drugs couriers."

Mr Stillman's sister, Elspeth Dugdale, said the decision was "very upsetting".

The 40-year-old said: "This is a huge shock and a major set back.

"We all, including experienced lawyers, expected the appeal to be given the go ahead. Instead it was rejected outright.

"Our lawyers over there will sit down over the next few days and decide on the next step."

Mr Stillman is originally from Reading, but set up the Nambikkai Foundation in 1978 to provide training, employment and education for deaf people in India.

Freezing cell

Mrs Dugdale said her brother's Indian wife, Sue, and their son Lennie were at the latest hearing.

Last month Conservative MP Caroline Spelman travelled to India to plead with the Government to intervene in the case.

Her move came as concerns grew for Mr Stillman's well-being amid reports he was being kept in a freezing cold cell with up to 35 other inmates.

The Meriden MP, from the West Midlands, who is also shadow international development secretary, pledged to be a thorn in the side of the Indian officials over the case.