British man faces jail in Indonesia on drug charge

Thomas Parker being led into court. He has short brown hair and a beard and is wearing a red jacket and white shirt issued by the court. He is being held on the shoulder by an Indonesian man who works for the court.

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

Christine Nababan
Reporter
Reporting from
Bali, Indonesia
Jonny Manning
BBC News, North East and Cumbria

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.

A picture of the Bali court room. The picture is taken behind Mr Parker who is sitting in front of three judges. The judges are wearing black shirts and red jackets with no sleeves. They are sitting at a large wooden desk.

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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