'Peru two' woman may be sent home

Melissa Reid, who was jailed in Peru on drug smuggling charges, may be sent back to Scotland to serve her sentence.

'Peru two' woman may be sent home

Melissa Reid, who was jailed in Peru on drug smuggling charges, may be sent back to Scotland to serve her sentence.

She and Michaella McCollum Connolly got six-year jail terms after being arrested at Lima airport, carrying cocaine hidden in food packets in their luggage.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman says a "repatriation application" has been received.

It is unclear as to whether Michaella McCollum Connolly will make a similar application with authorities in the North.

The pair were working on the Spanish party island of Ibiza last summer when they claim they were forced to board a flight with 24lb of cocaine in food packets hidden inside their luggage.

They were caught with the £1.5m haul at Lima airport on August 6.

Reid’s father, from Lenzie, near Glasgow, said he has met with Scotland’s justice secretary Kenny MacAskill and is hopeful that his daughter will serve the rest of her sentence closer to home.

It is understood that in most cases prisoner transfer applications are approved.

Billy Reid, 54, told the Mail on Sunday: “I had a very positive meeting with Kenny MacAskill and he reassured me that Scotland has no issue (with) accepting Melissa back to serve her sentence here.

“We understand the Scottish Government can’t promise to magic her back home and they won’t pull any strings, but it was very comforting to hear that they are not against any move.”

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received an application from Peru for the transfer of a prisoner.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Justice Secretary had a private meeting with Mr Reid.

“Prisoner transfers are a matter for the Scottish Prison Service.

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has responsibility for UK citizens imprisoned abroad. We have been in touch with them regarding Melissa Reid and have asked to be kept informed of developments.”

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