Scots Drugs Mule Will Return To UK
17 May 2016, 06:58
Convicted drugs mule Melissa Reid can return to the UK after Peruvian authorities agreed to expel her from the country, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
Convicted drugs mule Melissa Reid can return to the UK after Peruvian authorities agreed to expel her from the country, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
The 22-year-old from Lenzie, near Glasgow, and Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, were jailed in 2013 after trying to smuggle cocaine worth #1.5 million from Peru to Spain.
A judge granted an order to expel Reid on Friday and prosecutors have three working days to contest the ruling.
McCollum, 23, was freed in March under new legislation on early prison release.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: ``We can confirm that Melissa Reid has been granted expulsion from Peru. We remain in contact with Melissa, her family, and local authorities.''
McCollum and Reid were caught at Lima Airport trying to board a flight with 24lb (11kg) of cocaine in food packets hidden in their luggage.
They claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges and were sentenced to six years and eight months.
Reid's father Billy, 55, said his ''prayers had been answered'' following Friday's court ruling.
Mr Reid told The Mail on Sunday: ''She regrets the predicament she finds herself in, is apologetic for her actions and wants to show that she can be a credit to her family and make things right.''
