But he fears he won't be able to understand a word in court because the Military of Defence will not stump up the cash for an interpreter.

After a 12-year fight for justice, Terry Jeans, 61, hopes to see murder suspect Dejan Skaro banged up behind bars after a retrial this September.

The news comes after the Croatian President's office confirmed the retrial would go ahead, as reported in May in The News.

Mr Jeans is spending his £1,000 savings on flights, accommodation and expenses so he can be in the Croatian court.

His son Pte Simon Jeans, 25, was beaten to death while serving in the war-torn region in 1996.

Mr Jeans' financial situation is so dire that his Croatian solicitor has agreed to work for free because Mr Jeans will be left without a penny to his name. He has approached the military asking them to provide funds for an interpreter but had a reply stating there will be no money available.

Mr Jeans, of Charden Road, Rowner, Gosport, said: 'An interpreter is so important. Without one I will just have no idea what is going on in the court room, but I've got to be there so people realise Simon wasn't just a soldier that no-one cared about.

'Last time I was told by the judge I'd get an interpreter and I didn't, which meant when solicitors were arguing over my statement which was read out I just had no idea what was going on.

'The only way I realised that Dejan Skaro got off was when he turned to his family and smiled and walked out of the court.

'I think this is my last shot at justice and I'm really hopeful that it will be done.'

The News has seen the letter from Sir Richard Dannatt, professional head of the British Army, which confirms it will be unable to help. It says: 'After exhaustive research I can confirm there can be no more help from the public purse.'

The only funds Mr Jeans has received in his fight for justice was £640 from the Secretary of State to cover flights in the previous trial.