Bali Drugs Mule Lindsay Sandiford Returns to UK After Years on Death Row
Lindsay Sandiford, 69, has returned to the UK after spending 12 years on death row in Indonesia for smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali.
Background and Arrest
In 2012, at age 56, Sandiford admitted to smuggling drugs into Indonesia. She claimed she was coerced by an international drug syndicate that threatened her family if she refused to cooperate.
Sentence and Imprisonment
She was sentenced to death by firing squad in 2013 and endured harsh prison conditions for over a decade.
Release and Return
Last month, a deal was reached for her release on humanitarian grounds. After a 20-hour flight with a government-paid £600 ticket, Sandiford arrived at London Heathrow Airport—her first time back on British soil in more than ten years.
"Doctors have assessed Lindsay and determined she's very unwell. She has spent 12 years in one of the worst prisons in the world and that has taken its toll on her. She's desperate to get home, she's been preparing for months."
Upon leaving prison, Sandiford said farewell to other inmates who had become like family. She is now reported to be "desperate" to reunite with her family and receive urgent medical care in the UK.
Summary
Lindsay Sandiford's case highlights the harsh consequences of international drug trafficking and the humanitarian efforts that can lead to repatriation after prolonged imprisonment abroad.