British Man Sentenced to Jail in Bali for Drug Offenses
DENPASAR, Indonesia – A British man, Thomas Parker, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for drug-related offenses after a more serious charge that carried a possible death penalty was dropped. The ruling was made by a court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali on May 27, 2025. #### Background of the Case
Parker, a 32-year-old electrician from Cumbria in northwest England, was arrested on January 21 at a villa near Kuta Beach, a well-known tourist destination. He was apprehended after allegedly receiving a package containing illicit drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver. According to police reports, officers observed Parker acting suspiciously while retrieving the package. As law enforcement approached, he reportedly discarded the package and fled the scene. However, officers were able to trace him back to the villa where he was staying, leading to his arrest.
A subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the package contained over one kilogram (approximately 2.3 pounds) of MDMA, a substance commonly used to produce ecstasy.
Investigative Developments
During the police investigation, Parker clarified that he did not order the package. He stated it was sent by a friend, identified only as "Nicky," who he had known for approximately two years. Their communication primarily took place via the Telegram messaging app. Parker claimed he believed the package to be safe and was not promised any financial compensation for collecting it.
Given this context, authorities opted to lower the initial charge from drug trafficking—which could have led to a death sentence—to a lesser charge of concealing information from law enforcement.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The trial commenced last month in the Denpasar District Court. During the proceedings, Parker expressed remorse for his involvement, sharing with the court that he initially hesitated to collect the package but was persuaded by reassurances from Nicky about its safety.
Prosecutors had initially proposed a one-year prison term. However, the judges considered mitigating factors, including Parker’s lack of prior convictions, his expression of regret regarding his actions, and his commitment to reform. Ultimately, the panel of judges issued a sentence of 10 months.
Parker remained composed as the judges announced the verdict. They also stipulated that the time he has already served since his arrest would count towards his sentence, meaning he is likely to be released in a matter of months. Following the announcement, Parker acknowledged the verdict and indicated that he would not seek an appeal. “I really, really regret everything that has happened,” he stated, “I am sorry and will follow the judge’s decision.”
Indonesia’s Strict Drug Laws
Indonesia enforces stringent drug laws, and individuals convicted of drug trafficking can face severe penalties, including capital punishment. Current statistics from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections show that approximately 530 inmates are on death row in the country, with 96 of them being foreign nationals convicted of drug-related offenses. The last execution in Indonesia occurred in July 2016, when four individuals—an Indonesian citizen and three foreigners—were put to death.
As this case has unfolded, it highlights the severe repercussions faced by foreigners involved in drug-related crimes in Indonesia, particularly in light of the country’s rigorous enforcement of drug laws.
This report incorporates contributions from Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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