The French laywer acting for runaway maths teacher Jeremy Forrest has revealed that he will not fight extradition back to the UK so that he can be closer to 15-year-old Megan Stammers.
Forrest and Stammers disappeared just over a week ago prompting a huge manhunt across Europe. They were found on Friday in Bordeaux, France, after Forrest was recognised when applying for a job in a bar.
Stammers has since been returned home to her family whilst Forrest is currently being held in a high-security French prison on suspicion of child abduction.
Forrest's lawyer, Daniel Lalanne, said: "We have discussed how he feels about being taken back to Britain and he will not contest it.
"This is primarily because going home will take him back closer to the person he loves.
"What these two people have been through is a story of intense love and passion.
"His only crime is to have fallen in love with a 15-year-old, without any recourse to violence or manipulation.
"Of course he is devastated and only wants to be reunited with Megan."
On Saturday, Stammer's family expressed their joy that she had been found.
Her stepfather told reporters at a press conference: "We just can't wait to be reunited with her. Our family are overjoyed at the outcome. As you can imagine it's been an absolute emotional rollercoaster."
Thanking the police, media and members of the public for maintaining publicity in the case, Mr Stammers said: "I just can't put it into words how grateful we are as a family."
An extradition hearing will take place in a Bordeaux court on Tuesday.