Menu
25/09/2013
Peru Drugs Accused Plead Guilty
Two women accused of trying to smuggle £1.5m worth of drugs out of Peru have both pleaded guilty.
Michaella McCollum Connolly, 20, from Dungannon, and Melissa Reid, also 20 and from Scotland, were arrested last month at an airport in Lima as they prepared to board a flight to Spain.
When they were stopped, police found 24lb of cocaine – thought to be worth around £1.5m – hidden inside food packages in their luggage.
Both women previously admitted they knew the drugs were in their bags but said they had been forced to carry the packages at gunpoint.
On Tuesday, the pair entered a guilty plea and it is understood they have taken responsibility for their drug trafficking. They now could face more than six years in jail.
Speaking outside the court in Lima, lawyer Meyer Fishman said he would not comment until the two were sentenced, which could be as early as next week.
McCollum and Reid had the option of pleading guilty in exchange for a lower sentence.
The women, who had arrived in Ibiza at the beginning of the summer, were told that if they pled guilty, they could face a minimum of six years and eight months in prison with no eligibility for parole.
A spokesman for the court in Callao is quoted as saying: "They will automatically have a sixth off from the minimum jail sentence of eight years and will be sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
"Sentencing will take place on 1 October at a new hearing."
(JP/CD)
Michaella McCollum Connolly, 20, from Dungannon, and Melissa Reid, also 20 and from Scotland, were arrested last month at an airport in Lima as they prepared to board a flight to Spain.
When they were stopped, police found 24lb of cocaine – thought to be worth around £1.5m – hidden inside food packages in their luggage.
Both women previously admitted they knew the drugs were in their bags but said they had been forced to carry the packages at gunpoint.
On Tuesday, the pair entered a guilty plea and it is understood they have taken responsibility for their drug trafficking. They now could face more than six years in jail.
Speaking outside the court in Lima, lawyer Meyer Fishman said he would not comment until the two were sentenced, which could be as early as next week.
McCollum and Reid had the option of pleading guilty in exchange for a lower sentence.
The women, who had arrived in Ibiza at the beginning of the summer, were told that if they pled guilty, they could face a minimum of six years and eight months in prison with no eligibility for parole.
A spokesman for the court in Callao is quoted as saying: "They will automatically have a sixth off from the minimum jail sentence of eight years and will be sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
"Sentencing will take place on 1 October at a new hearing."
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 July 2003
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
08 March 2018
Man Sentenced For 19 Months After Pleading Guilty To Drugs Offences
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 19 months in prison after admitting to a number of drugs offences.
Man Sentenced For 19 Months After Pleading Guilty To Drugs Offences
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 19 months in prison after admitting to a number of drugs offences.
23 June 2023
Two Men Jailed For Firearms-Related Offences
Two men have been jailed for a total of seven years at Belfast Crown Court, having previously pleaded guilty to firearms-related offences. Matthew Charles Johnston, aged 42, was sentenced to four years in custody and will be subject to a Terrorism Notification Order for 10 years.
Two Men Jailed For Firearms-Related Offences
Two men have been jailed for a total of seven years at Belfast Crown Court, having previously pleaded guilty to firearms-related offences. Matthew Charles Johnston, aged 42, was sentenced to four years in custody and will be subject to a Terrorism Notification Order for 10 years.
18 December 2013
'Peru Two' Sentenced
Two women arrested in Peru on suspicion of drug smuggling have been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, County Tyrone and Melissa Reid from near Glasgow in Scotland will serve their sentences in Peru.
'Peru Two' Sentenced
Two women arrested in Peru on suspicion of drug smuggling have been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, County Tyrone and Melissa Reid from near Glasgow in Scotland will serve their sentences in Peru.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
