A British man on trial in Bali for drug-related charges pleaded for leniency on Tuesday, expressing deep remorse as judges prepare to deliver a verdict later this month.
Thomas Parker, a 32-year-old electrician from Cumbria, northwest England, was initially charged with drug trafficking — an offense that can carry the death penalty in Indonesia — after he was arrested on 21 January near Kuta, a busy tourist hub.
Authorities said Parker was seen collecting a suspicious package from a motorcycle taxi driver and allegedly attempted to flee after discarding it when approached by police. He was later traced to his villa and arrested. Laboratory tests confirmed the package contained just over a kilogram of MDMA, the primary component in ecstasy.
However, the most serious charge was dropped after investigators found that Parker had not ordered the package himself. Police determined the drugs were sent by a friend, identified only as Nicky, whom Parker had known for around two years and communicated with via the messaging app Telegram.
Charges reduced after investigation
With insufficient evidence linking Parker directly to drug trafficking, prosecutors reduced the charge to the lesser offense of withholding information about a crime. On 6 May, they requested a one-year prison sentence.
Despite the downgrade, legal uncertainty remains. Under Indonesian law, judges have broad discretion and may still revisit more serious charges if legal ambiguities arise during the trial.
Parker’s lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, said the Briton had initially refused to accept the package but eventually relented after Nicky assured him it was safe and would be picked up quickly.
“He has no connection with any drug network,” said Pangkahila, adding that Parker did not receive payment or other incentives.
Final plea before verdict
Appearing in Denpasar District Court in a white shirt and black trousers, Parker delivered his final statement in front of a three-judge panel.
“I am very sorry and apologize, I know it was a mistake,” Parker said. “I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didn’t know that [the package] was drugs.”
Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani adjourned the hearing and said the court would announce its verdict on 27 May.
Pangkahila said his client is “nervous and depressed” while awaiting judgment, but stressed that prosecutors have been unable to prove Parker was part of a trafficking operation.
Indonesia maintains some of the world’s strictest drug laws. More than 500 people are currently on death row, according to government data, including 96 foreigners. The country last carried out executions in July 2016.
