Prisoners of war Aiden Aslin, from Newark, and Shaun Pinner sentenced to death by unrecognised court in Donetsk People's Republic

Prisoner of war Aiden Aslin, from Newark, has been sentenced to death, the Russian-owned news agency RIA Novosti is reporting.

Aiden, 28, and fellow prisoner of war from England Shaun Pinner, 48, were charged with being mercenaries despite being members of the Ukraine armed forces.

Moroccan national Saaudun Brahim has also been sentenced to death in the Donetsk People's Republic, which is held by pro-Russian rebels.

The court which has passed sentence is not internationally recognised.

Both Newark's Aiden and Bedfordshire's Shaun were serving members of Ukraine’s armed forces and the UK has made clear they are prisoners of war entitled to immunity — and should not face prosecution for taking part in hostilities.

On Telegram, RIA News said: "The Supreme Court of the DPR passed the first sentence on mercenaries, the British Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner and the Moroccan Saaudun Brahim were sentenced to death, RIA Novosti correspondent reports from the courtroom."

Following the announcement the family has spoken to the Advertiser.

They have called on the government's of the UK and Ukraine to do all they can to help Aiden.