Lindsay Sandiford Death sentence upheld by court in Bali, Indonesia

The British grandma has lost her appeal against her death sentence for drug trafficking.

09:06 09 April 2013

Linday Sandiford, the 56-year-old grandma from Gloucestershire, now faces firing squad after she lost her appeal against her death sentence for drug trafficking in Bali. The court on the Indonesian Island upheld the sentence handed down in January.

 
Sandiford was convicted of smuggling 4.8kg of cocaine in Bali. She was arrested after a flight from Thailand in May 2012 and was accused of being at the center of a drugs ring.

The court handed its decision earlier this year. Although the prosecution recommended 15 years imprisonment, a panel of judges sentenced Sandiford to death by firing squad.

Indonesia has a very strict rule when it comes to illegal drugs. The maximum penalty for drug trafficking is death by firing squad. However, it is very rare that this is delivered. Many death row drug smugglers sentenced to die languish in jails for up to 10 years.

 

Meanwhile, the British embassy in the Indonesian capital is not happy with the outcome. In a statement, it said: "We are disappointed to hear Lindsay Sandiford's appeal has been refused by the High Court in Bali. The UK strongly opposes the death penalty and has repeatedly made representations to the Indonesian government on this matter.

 

"We will continue to provide consular assistance to her at this difficult time."