PARDONED mercenary Simon Mann celebrated his freedom with his wife Amanda last night and thanked people for the “warmth” shown since his release from a 34-year jail sentence for his part in plotting a coup.

The Old Etonian and ex-SAS soldier was freed earlier this week after being jailed over a bungled coup in Equatorial Guinea and returned to the UK on Wednesday in a private jet.

The couple are clearly enjoying a return to family life and embraced warmly as they posed for pictures at an undisclosed countryside location.

Mann met his young son Arthur, who was born after he left the UK, for the first time just days ago.

The 57-year-old, who lives in the New Forest, said today: “Amanda and I want to thank everyone for the warmth that has been shown to us since my return.

“We now need some time on our own to be with our family and friends.

“There hasn’t been a moment during the last five-and-a-half years when I have not dreamt of one day being back in Britain with my family.

As reported by the Daily Echo, Scotland Yard counterterrorism detectives are preparing to question Mann, who claimed during his trial that several other prominent figures, including Sir Mark Thatcher, helped to organise and finance the plot in London.

Sir Mark was given a suspended sentence in South Africa in connection with funding the operation.

He has always denied any knowledge that a coup was being organised and issued a statement yesterday welcoming news of Mann’s release.

Lebanese-born London businessman Ely Calil has also been implicated in the plot. He too denies any wrongdoing.

British detectives visited Mann three times last year while he was in the country’s notorious Black Beach prison.

His former associates could be questioned by police about the alleged coup attempt if he repeats the allegations.