Menu
18/12/2013
'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.
The two 20-year-olds were arrested at the airport in Lima as they attempted to board a plane to Spain, where they had been working over the summer.
But custom officials stopped the women as they believed them to be acting 'suspiciously' and subsequently discovered 11kg of cocaine wrapped in food parcels.
Both women claim they knew the drugs were in their luggage, but that they were forced into acting as mules for a gang.
The pair have already served four months in custody, which has been taken into consideration during sentencing. Their earlier 'not guilty' pleas were later changed to 'guilty' in a bid to reduce their sentencing.
They had faced a maximum of 15 years in prison if the case went to trial and they were found guilty.
(IT/MH)
Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, County Tyrone and Melissa Reid from near Glasgow in Scotland will serve their sentences in Peru.
The two 20-year-olds were arrested at the airport in Lima as they attempted to board a plane to Spain, where they had been working over the summer.
But custom officials stopped the women as they believed them to be acting 'suspiciously' and subsequently discovered 11kg of cocaine wrapped in food parcels.
Both women claim they knew the drugs were in their luggage, but that they were forced into acting as mules for a gang.
The pair have already served four months in custody, which has been taken into consideration during sentencing. Their earlier 'not guilty' pleas were later changed to 'guilty' in a bid to reduce their sentencing.
They had faced a maximum of 15 years in prison if the case went to trial and they were found guilty.
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2013
Peru Two 'Could Be Sentenced Before Christmas'
The 'Peru Two' could be sentenced before Christmas, one of the women's parents has claimed. Michaella McCollum Connolly, 20, from Dungannon, and Melissa Reid, also 20 and from Lenzie in Scotland, are currently awaiting sentencing in a prison in Peru after they were caught trying to smuggle £1.5m of cocaine out of the country earlier this year.
Peru Two 'Could Be Sentenced Before Christmas'
The 'Peru Two' could be sentenced before Christmas, one of the women's parents has claimed. Michaella McCollum Connolly, 20, from Dungannon, and Melissa Reid, also 20 and from Lenzie in Scotland, are currently awaiting sentencing in a prison in Peru after they were caught trying to smuggle £1.5m of cocaine out of the country earlier this year.
02 October 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.
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.
19 February 2024
Fourteen Sentenced In East Belfast UVF Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of thirteen men and one woman in connection with an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The defendants were sentenced over the five-week period, from 11 January to 16 February, at Belfast Crown Court.
Fourteen Sentenced In East Belfast UVF Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of thirteen men and one woman in connection with an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The defendants were sentenced over the five-week period, from 11 January to 16 February, at Belfast Crown Court.
25 September 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.
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.
13 November 2024
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
-
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.
