Cumbrian man in Bali faces prison for drugs charge

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r115lwpj2o

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Thomas Parker is facing a one-year prison sentence for an alleged drugs offence

A British man has appeared in court in Bali on a drugs charge.

Thomas Parker, 32, from Workington, Cumbria, could face a one-year prison sentence for allegedly being handed a package containing 1kg (2.3lbs) of MDMA.

At the hearing in Indonesia, Mr Parker, who was arrested in January, issued an apology and said he did not know what was in the package he received.

His legal team argued he should receive the "lightest possible sentence" when the court delivers its verdict next week.

Through his attorney Edward Pangkahila, Mr Parker acknowledged his mistake and promised not to repeat his actions.

His legal team appealed to the court to administer a "fair and just verdict" when it meets again.

After lawyers negotiate, the judges will have the final say on Mr Parker's sentence

The sentence is significantly lighter than the maximum for drug-related offences in the country, which can include the death penalty.

The hearing will resume on 27 May.

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