British Grandmother to Return Home After Death Sentence in Bali

Published: 07 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A British grandmother who faced a death sentence in Bali for smuggling a large quantity of cocaine is set to return to the UK, bringing an end to more than a decade of imprisonment and legal uncertainty. Lindsay Sandiford, 69, has spent over 13 years in Kerobokan prison, one of the world’s most notorious correctional facilities, following her arrest in 2012. The news of her imminent return has been welcomed by family members and legal representatives alike, who describe her as frail and in urgent need of medical attention.

Sandiford was arrested at Denpasar National Airport after customs officials discovered a hidden compartment in her suitcase containing 4.8 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth around £1.6 million. She had arrived from Thailand, carrying the illicit cargo unbeknownst to authorities. Prosecutors accused her of being part of an international drug network with operations spanning several countries, including Peru, Colombia, and Thailand. At trial, she was found guilty of smuggling cocaine and sentenced to death by firing squad, a punishment that drew significant attention and condemnation from human rights groups in the UK and internationally.

The grandmother has consistently maintained that she was coerced into carrying the drugs. According to her statements, a British gang threatened to harm one of her two sons if she refused to cooperate. Over the years, her case attracted considerable media attention, highlighting both the human rights concerns surrounding Indonesia’s harsh drug laws and the challenges faced by foreign nationals caught up in legal proceedings abroad.

A source close to Sandiford told the Daily Mirror: “Lindsay is extremely unwell. She is desperate to get home and to be with her family. More than a decade in one of the world’s worst prisons has taken its toll, and she wants nothing more than to return to the UK.” The source added that Sandiford’s return would finally allow her to receive proper medical care and be reunited with her loved ones after more than a decade apart.

An Indonesian government source confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the UK government to facilitate her transfer back home. The deal also includes Shahab Shahabadi, 35, a fellow UK national who has been serving a life sentence for drug offences since his detention in 2014. Both will leave Kerobokan prison and travel by car to Denpasar International Airport, where they will be handed over to the UK ambassador, Dominic Jermey, before boarding flights home.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that it is closely involved in the process. A spokesperson told The Independent: “We are supporting two British nationals detained in Indonesia and are in close contact with the Indonesian authorities to discuss their return to the UK.” The spokesperson emphasized the UK government’s commitment to ensuring that its citizens receive fair treatment abroad and that their welfare remains a priority.

Kerobokan prison, where Sandiford has been held for the past 13 years, is known for its harsh conditions and limited medical facilities. Over the years, reports have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to health services, making Sandiford’s prolonged detention particularly challenging for her health. Pastor Christine Buckingham, who visited Sandiford in prison last week, described her as “extremely ill” and “eager to return home.” She told the Mirror: “We’re deeply grateful to the Indonesian government and of course the British government for working this out together. She wants to get home, be checked medically, and spend as much time as possible with her family.”

The case has also sparked discussion around Indonesia’s strict drug laws, which impose capital punishment for serious drug offences, and the broader implications for foreign nationals travelling to the country. Human rights organizations have long criticized the application of the death penalty in Indonesia, arguing that it fails to consider mitigating circumstances such as coercion or duress. Sandiford’s case, in particular, drew attention due to her age, health, and the circumstances under which she allegedly became involved with the drug operation.

Legal experts note that the repatriation of foreign prisoners under bilateral agreements is relatively rare and often involves extensive negotiations between governments. In Sandiford’s case, the UK and Indonesian authorities reportedly worked closely to ensure her safe transfer, balancing Indonesia’s domestic legal requirements with humanitarian considerations. The resolution has been welcomed by campaigners, who describe it as a victory for both justice and human rights.

Since her arrest, Sandiford’s health has deteriorated significantly. Long-term imprisonment, compounded by the difficult conditions in Kerobokan, has left her in a vulnerable state. Advocates hope that her return to the UK will allow her to access appropriate healthcare and support, helping her rebuild her life after more than a decade of confinement.

Sandiford’s family, who have campaigned for her release throughout her detention, expressed relief and gratitude following the news. They emphasized the emotional toll that her imprisonment has had on them, describing the reunion as a long-awaited moment of closure. A family spokesperson said: “Lindsay has endured unimaginable hardship. We are thrilled that she will finally be home, safe, and able to receive the care she needs. The support of both governments has been instrumental in making this possible.”

While the case has concluded with Sandiford’s repatriation, it leaves behind broader questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in countries with severe drug laws and the responsibilities of governments to protect citizens abroad. Her story serves as a reminder of the risks faced by individuals who become entangled in international drug operations, often under coercion, and underscores the importance of legal advocacy and diplomatic intervention in ensuring their rights are respected.

As Lindsay Sandiford prepares to return to the UK, attention now turns to her recovery and reintegration into family life. Advocates and family members alike are hopeful that this chapter marks the beginning of a safer, healthier, and more peaceful period for her after more than a decade in one of the world’s most notorious prisons. The case, which once drew international attention for its severity, now concludes with a focus on humanitarian resolution and the enduring importance of diplomacy in protecting citizens abroad.