A DORSET man imprisoned without trial in Budapest is considering legal action against the UK and Hungarian authorities.

Michael Turner, from Corfe Castle, was held in a former KGB prison for four months after being extradited in 2009.

The 28-year-old and his business partner Jason McGoldrick ran a time-share marketing business that collapsed in 2004.

The case against him was closed after investigators quizzed more than 500 people and failed to come up with any charges.

He is now pursuing compensation with help from Fair Trials International because he said the ordeal ruined his life.

He said: “I spent 23 hours a day locked in a cell, 20ft by 11ft, with four other people.

“I was allowed one shower a week.”

He was released after a campaign organised by his family, including dad Mark from the Castle Inn pub, which was backed by South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

Fair Trials International said thousands of people had been unlawfully imprisoned because of the European Arrest Warrant.

A spokesman said: “It was intended to be used explicitly for people to serve a prison sentence for the purposes of a criminal prosecution.”

Richard Drax said: “I’ve been involved in this case for two years and have done everything I can to help Mr Turner and his family.

“In this country people are innocent until proven guilty.

“In Hungary where he was imprisoned for 115 days in jail without charge that rule of law doesn’t apply in what is now a European country.”

Mr Drax said the legal case had been brought by Mr Turner because the ordeal had cost him money and neither he or Mr McGoldrick can get on with their lives.

The Home Office said its extradition process was under review. The Hungarian Embassy was not available for comment.

Both men denied defrauding more than 100 people out of £18,000 following the failure of their business.