The daughters of a Perth grandmother found guilty of smuggling drugs in Japan say their mother is a victim.
Donna Nelson, 58, was sentenced to six years in prison for smuggling 2 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a suitcase in 2022.
“She is the victim of a crime and not a criminal,” Nelson’s daughter Kristal Hilaire said outside court.
“The Australian government has been present throughout this trial to offer consular support to Ms. Nelson and her family, and we will continue to provide that assistance,” stated Hayhurst.
The case also drew interest from Japanese citizens.
“I think they just punish carelessness too often and that’s the problem of this country, I believe,” one local said.
Earlier this morning, Nelson’s eldest daughter and her granddaughter visited her in Chiba Prison, hopeful of a positive outcome.
“Today I woke up with a sense of peace and that everything is going to be okay, I’m just really hopeful for the outcome we’re wanting,” Kristal said.
Defence lawyers requested a prison visit with Nelson this evening as they review the details of the verdict.
Her sentence was discounted due to time already spent behind bars, meaning she has another four years and 10 months to serve in jail.
She will also need to pay a $10,000 fine.
The 58-year-old has 14 days from tomorrow to lodge an appeal.
