Retired businessman Christopher Tappin, with his wife Elaine. Picture: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

Orpington businessman Christopher Tappin is expected to plead guilty in America today after striking a shock deal with prosecutors.

The move was announced last week, when his wife Elaine said it was the “beginning” of a process to bring her husband home.

The 65-year-old, of Larch Dene, Farnborough Park, previously denied attempting to sell 50 oxide batteries for Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

Mrs Tappin said: “From the moment Chris was put on a plane all we ever wanted was his swift and safe return.

“However upsetting, this is the beginning of that process. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the court has yet to establish Chris’s fate.”

If the judge accepts his terms, Mr Tappin will face a period of several weeks for assessment before he is recalled for sentencing.

The former director of Surrey based Brooklands International Freight Services fought extradition for two years, arriving in America in February.

He spent 60 days in Otero County prison, in New Mexico, before he was released on bail in April and is now living in Houston.

Mr Tappin was formerly the president of Kent Golf Union who refused to comment on his change of plea.