Death row gran Lindsay Sandiford, 69, seen for first time in a decade

Death Row Gran Lindsay Sandiford Freed After a Decade

Lindsay Sandiford, a 69-year-old pensioner sentenced to death in 2013 for smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia, left Bali's notorious Kerobokan prison today. She departed in a wheelchair, beginning her long 8,000-mile journey back to Britain.

Her Condition and Journey

Sandiford appeared frail and unkempt, wearing a face mask as she prepared to board her flight home. She will take a UK-funded £600 seat, departing just after midnight Indonesian time, on a 20-hour flight to London Heathrow with a brief layover.

Health Concerns and Emotional Farewell

Doctors have assessed Sandiford and found her to be very unwell after spending 12 years in harsh prison conditions. A source revealed:

"Doctors have assessed Lindsay and determined she's very unwell. She has spent 12 years in one of the worst prisons in the world and that has taken its toll on her. She's desperate to get home, she's been preparing for months. Before leaving prison she said a farewell to the other prisoners who have become like family to her."
Background

Sandiford was sentenced to death despite her claim that a UK-based drug syndicate coerced her into smuggling cocaine from Thailand. The UK Government secured her release so she can receive necessary medical care and reunite with her family.

Author's summary: Lindsay Sandiford, sentenced to death in Indonesia for cocaine smuggling, was freed after 12 years to return to Britain for medical care and family reunification.

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The Mirror The Mirror — 2025-11-06

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