Two British citizens, Lisa Stocker and Jon Collyer, have been released from a Bali prison where they were serving time for their involvement in a cocaine smuggling operation. The pair, along with accomplice Phineas Float, faced the possibility of execution under Indonesia’s strict drug laws but were ultimately freed after just four months of incarceration following their sentencing in August.
Stocker, a mother of three, and Collyer were given originally a one-year sentence, which was further reduced due to special provisions for Christmas and an independence day holiday. This allowed them to board a flight from Bali to Doha and subsequently connect for a flight back to the UK.
The couple, who were apprehended for attempting to smuggle 992 grams of cocaine disguised in Angel Delight packets into Bali, cooperated with authorities after their arrest. They helped in the capture of Float, who was lured to collect the contraband and was subsequently arrested. Float was released from prison and deported in December.
Their return to the UK follows the recent release of another British national, Lindsay Sandiford, who had spent 13 years on death row in Bali for drug trafficking. Sandiford’s release, along with that of another Briton serving a life sentence, was facilitated through diplomatic efforts between UK officials and Indonesian authorities.
The Foreign Office has not disclosed the specifics of Sandiford’s situation upon her return to the UK, but Indonesian officials have indicated that she may face continued incarceration. Similarly, Stocker and Collyer’s return prompts questions about their legal status and future actions.