THESSALONIKI (AP) — A Turkish civilian arrested by Greek soldiers for straying into Greece has been deported to Turkey, police say.

Local police in northeastern Greece said the man was returned to Turkish authorities at the Kastanies border crossing Saturday afternoon. A throng of Turkish media greeted him upon his crossing.

A court had given the 37-year-old a five-month suspended sentence Thursday for illegally entering Greece the previous day. The man was detained while driving an excavator on the Greek side of the border.

The man, who was also fined 1,500 euros ($1,797), said he had been working on the construction of a well at a Turkish customs post. He said he got confused and turned accidentally into Greece instead of Turkey after work.

The Turkish man initially appealed his sentence but later decided against an appeal, his lawyer told The Associated Press.

Turkish authorities arrested two Greek soldiers in the same area two months ago. The two are still detained. Greek officials said they had strayed across the border accidentally while on patrol.

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By COSTAS KANTOURIS ,  Associated Press