THE grieving brother of Sean Lovelock-Woodhall, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Brazil, has defended his brother amid allegations that he faked his own death.

The body of Mr Lovelock- Woodhall has never been recovered after he died with three business associates and two pilots on May 2, 2008.

Wreckage of what could be the Aero Star Cessna plane has allegedly been found, but the fishermen who found it are demanding $500,000 (more than £303,000) in return for details of its exact whereabouts.

Allegations have been made that Mr Lovelock-Woodhall and the others faked their deaths and fled with millions of pounds gained through fraud.

But his brother has dismissed them as lies.

"It's been hell on earth, quite frankly," said 40-year-old Mark Lovelock, who lives in Peterbrough.

"There have been allegations made against my brother, and he is not here to defend himself. No-one has shown me any evidence to suggest he faked his own death.

"He was a good businessman and a good father, and doesn't deserve what has been thrown at him now."

Father-of-five Sean Lovelock- Woodhall was a frequent visitor to Swansea where his father, Ron Lovelock, ran the Carlton Hotel in Mumbles for 20 years.

On Tuesday, Ron Lovelock described how Brazilian fishermen were demanding a ransom in exchange for the whereabouts of his son's plane wreckage.

And Mark Lovelock has described his anguish following the latest developments.

"We have heard the Navy has started searching with sonar equipment, and that the operation is expected to last up to 48 hours," he said.

"I have also been informed that the lobster fisherman and his lawyer have been released from custody, it seems there is nothing the authorities can do to force them into giving over this critical information.

"The only thing that will make these people talk is money.

"Not one ounce of compassion for any of the families involved has been shown by these cold, emotionless human beings.

"I think it would be fair to say we have just two options remaining, either the Brazilian Navy get lucky within the next 48 hours or we will be forced to negotiate with the fisherman."

On Monday, a Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed that Brazilian Federal Police had questioned the fisherman.

Mark added: "All we have is a little plot of land but no body.

"I want my brother returned to the UK so that he can be laid to rest. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to bring my brother home."

sion.morgan@swwmedia.co.uk