An Australian couple convicted of operating a brothel out of a so-called “spa” in one of Bali’s busiest tourist corridors walked free from Kerobokan Prison on Saturday, seven months after their arrest sent ripples through the island’s expat business community.
Michael Le Grand, 50, and his wife, Lynley Le Grand, 44, were immediately taken into custody by immigration officials and are expected to be deported to Australia.
The couple was convicted in January of providing pornography services through their Pink Palace Spa in Kuta, a venue police accused of offering “same-sex prostitution and bisexual practices.”
‘She Is Now in Good Condition’
The head of Kerobokan’s women’s prison, Ni Luh Putu Andiyani, said Ms. Le Grand had adapted to life behind bars and found solace in her faith.
“She participated in the morning exercise every day. She also joined the prayer at the prison church,” Ms. Andiyani said in remarks to Austrlaia’s National News Network.
“At the beginning she was very sad. But slowly, she could accept the conditions and was able to socialise with other prisoners. She is now in good condition, she is well, and she can socialise with anyone now.”
Ms. Le Grand, a mother of three and survivor of the 2002 Bali bombings, was described by prison officials as cooperative and respectful of prison rules.
Her husband, Mr. Le Grand, exited the men’s facility through a separate gate. He had previously raised health concerns while incarcerated, reportedly complaining of pancreatic cancer, though prison authorities did not confirm the diagnosis.
Spa Raid and Sentencing
The couple’s arrest followed a high-profile police raid in October 2024, during which authorities seized lingerie, condoms, massage oils, and mobile advertising vans used to promote the spa’s services.
Authorities alleged the venue offered a “$100 sensual body slide and hand relief” and described the business as a front for illicit sex work.
In January, the Denpasar District Court found the couple “legally and convincingly proven guilty” of violating Indonesia’s anti-pornography laws. Their seven-month sentences were slightly below the nine-month term requested by prosecutors.
Other Arrests
Their case came amid a broader crackdown on foreign-run adult businesses in Bali. In the same month, police also raided Flame Spa in Seminyak, arresting its operator Sarinitha Olarenshaw, the estranged wife of former Australian Football League player Ricky Olarenshaw. She was released earlier this month.
Olarenshaw had accused her former husband and other Australian associates of owning the business—a claim he has publicly denied.
Unclear Future in Bali
The Le Grands are expected to reunite briefly with their children—reportedly staying with relatives in Bali—before being deported.
It remains unclear whether they intend to return to Indonesia in the future. Several Bali-based businesses previously linked to the couple, including bars and cafés, remain open.
