Bali policeman's widow rejects 'donation' from accused killer

  • Published
Australian murder suspect Sara Connor at her trial in BaliImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Australian woman Sara Connor, far right, is accused of murder

The widow of a policeman allegedly murdered in Indonesia has rejected a "donation" from his accused Australian killer.

Wayan Sudarsa's body was found on Bali's Kuta beach on 17 August with head and neck wounds.

Sara Connor, 46, and her British boyfriend David James Taylor, 33, are both on trial for Mr Sudarsa's murder.

In court on Tuesday, his widow Ketut Arsini said she would not accept "even a cent" from Ms Connor.

The Australian woman read extracts to the Denpasar hearing of a handwritten letter she had sent to Ms Arsini offering 25m rupiah (£1500; $1900).

"I am not a rich person but to express my sympathy and my sadness I would like you to accept a donation of 25 million rupiah to help you and your children in this difficult moment," Ms Connor said.

People in the courtroom applauded when Ms Arsini said she did not want any money.

"I want the court to give the maximum punishment that fits what she did, based on Indonesian laws," Ms Arsini said.

Ms Connor again claimed her innocence, saying she tried to separate Mr Taylor and Mr Sudarsa after they began fighting over her missing handbag.

She told Ms Arsini she felt "great pain" over the tragedy.

"I'm deeply sorry for you and your family now left alone without Mr Sudarsa to care for you and your children. You have been always in my prayers," Ms Connor said.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Ms Connor maintains her innocence

Both Ms Connor and Mr Taylor face up to 15 years in jail if they are found guilty of murder.

The British man is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Bali is a popular destination for Western tourists, known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches. Petty crime is common on the resort island, though more serious crime is rare.