by Derineh Cooper
Three-and-a-half years, 50 witnesses and three judges later, the Special NDPS Court on Wednesday sentenced a fitness trainer with Dorset County Council in England to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 lakh for the possession and attempt to export 10kg of Cannabis in November 2002.
Co-accused Yoram Kadesh, an Israeli citizen, was let off due to lack of evidence. "I just want to go home," said a relieved Kadesh.
Daisy was intercepted by customs officers on November 8, 2002, at Mumbai airport on her way to The Netherlands. The image of her luggage during X-ray examination roused suspicion and the bag was examined. Officers said they found 10kg of hashish in a false bottom in her suitcase.
BBC reported on January 10, 2003 that "her father John said that Daisy had admitted she was offered $10,000 to bring the suitcase through the customs". Daisy was so anguished that she sobbed loudly when Special judge PB Sawant read out the conviction.
"I have already served almost four years in jail for a crime I did not commit. This false case against me killed my father and grandmother. My superiors in council believe in my innocence and have kept my job open till I return," she said. Expressing their disappointment, Daisy’s mother Nadine her younger sister Tenderesse and uncle Pascal said they believed that Daisy was innocent.
Nadine said, "Expecting a fair trial, Daisy spoke the truth from the beginning.
Footnote: FPSS would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Daisy and her family for what has been a nightmare experience. They have showed tremendous strength. We hope that the British Embassy are able to move this forward to bring Daisy home [UK] where she can receive proper care and support.
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