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02/10/2013
Peru Pair Face 6-Month Investigation
Michaella McCollum Connolly and Melissa Reid have been told they could face a six-month investigation if their guilty pleas are not accepted by the prosecution in charge of the case.
The two 20-year-olds, from Dungannon in County Tyrone and Lenzie just outside Glasgow, are currently in custody in Peru after having been caught attempting to smuggle 24lb of cocaine on a flight to Spain.
The two had initially claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs, and had intended to plead not guilty, but have since dropped their story and entered guilty pleas in the hope of receiving a reduced sentence.
Now Juan Mendoza, prosecutor in charge of their case, has told the Associated Press that the women will be required to explain their story in greater detail, before their guilty pleas can be accepted. The prosecution says it wants a full confession from the women.
If accepted, they could face a minimum of six years and eight months with no eligibility for parole after pleading. If refused, the women could face up to fifteen years in jail.
They have now been transferred to a more modern prison, having spent time in harsh conditions at the Virgen de Fatima in Lima.
(IT/CD)
The two 20-year-olds, from Dungannon in County Tyrone and Lenzie just outside Glasgow, are currently in custody in Peru after having been caught attempting to smuggle 24lb of cocaine on a flight to Spain.
The two had initially claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs, and had intended to plead not guilty, but have since dropped their story and entered guilty pleas in the hope of receiving a reduced sentence.
Now Juan Mendoza, prosecutor in charge of their case, has told the Associated Press that the women will be required to explain their story in greater detail, before their guilty pleas can be accepted. The prosecution says it wants a full confession from the women.
If accepted, they could face a minimum of six years and eight months with no eligibility for parole after pleading. If refused, the women could face up to fifteen years in jail.
They have now been transferred to a more modern prison, having spent time in harsh conditions at the Virgen de Fatima in Lima.
(IT/CD)
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Prosecutors in Peru have refused to accept the guilty pleas of two women caught trying to smuggle drugs out of the country. On Tuesday, Michaella McCollum, 20, from Dungannon in Co Tyrone, and Melissa Reid, also 20 and from Lenzie in Scotland, admitted to smuggling drugs.
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Donaldson And Wife Enter Not Guilty Pleas
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Public Transport Users Urged To Wear Face Coverings
People using public transport are being reminded of the importance of wearing a face covering, unless medically exempt. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport as part of efforts in place to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
Public Transport Users Urged To Wear Face Coverings
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