Crime Correspondent

mugged in Benidorm

mugged in Benidorm

In July Graham Heggie, a 27-year-old Scottish holidaymaker, died in the town after a brawl just yards from the apartment in which he was sta...

In Kathmandu in mid-August a five-star hotel was bombed

In Kathmandu in mid-August a five-star hotel was bombed, causing no casualties but sending fresh jitters through the tourist trade. And in r...

Micheal Cornell, a 19 year old British youngster has been sentenced to 99 years

Bangkok Hilton by a Thailand court, which translates in imprisoned for live at Klong Prem prison, nicknamed "The Bangkok Hilton". ...

Micheal Connell 19 year old from Bury arrested in Thailand trying to smuggle 3000 ecstacy tablets.

the number of british citizens incarcinated abroad has also increased. Many young backpackers pushed into carrying drugs through customs after running out of money, people who have been involved in bar brawls gone wrong on holiday etc. The difference between us and other nations is that after our citizens have served time abroad they will have to return to serve at least half their original sentance at home which in some cases does not reflect the crime they are being punished for. For example Micheal Connell 19 year old from Bury arrested in Thailand trying to smuggle 3000 ecstacy tablets. If arrested in Britain would probably serve between 5-7 years. Micheals original sentance - death, changed to 99 years imprisonment as he pleaded guilty. This has recently been reduced to 30 years on appeal. Micheal will most likley serve around 10-12 years in Thailand before returning home to serve possibly another 10-15 years. Is this really fair to imprison a young man for 25-30 years for one mistake which would have resulted in a much lesser sentance in this country? Also bear in mind Micheal will serve his time in Thailand in the notorious Bangkwang (the Bangkok hilton) which is one of the worst prisons in the world. Other nations such as America and Australia have different prisoner transfer agreements that often see prisoners released within months of being returned to their own countries. Many British prisoners when offered the chance of returning home to to serve out their sentance in britain would prefer to stay in Thailand. Despite being one of the worlds worst jails and the scene of some of the worst human rights abuses, they may stand a better chance of early release. To return to britain may mean another 10-15 years in a maximum security prison but in Thailand they have the possible chance of the kings pardon. On the other side of this argument is the Paedophiles such as Gary Glitter who commit crimes in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam where punishment isnt as severe. Ok so Gary will serve two or three years in Vietnam but his repeated crimes of grooming and assaulting children would have surley recieved a much longer sentance in this country. Soon though he will be free to return to his old ways without the strict controls you might expect in this country. So how can we make sure our citizens recieve the treatment they deserve abroad? Does a drug smuggler deserve death or 99 years in jail while a paedophile can get a fairly light sentance? Should we respect the different laws of other countries or should a british citizen be judged by british laws? Do we need to rewrite our prisoner transfer agreements so they are the same as other western countries? If anyone is interested in supporting people like Micheal Connell or the thousands of other people incarcinated abroad please visit the foreign prisoner support service website. A simple letter or postcard could make someones week. Thankyou as always for reading and i look forward to your views and comments.

Micheal Connell 19 year old from Bury arrested in Thailand trying to smuggle 3000 ecstacy tablets.

the number of british citizens incarcinated abroad has also increased. Many young backpackers pushed into carrying drugs through customs aft...

A British man who has spent six years in a Thai prison after being wrongly convicted of manufacturing ecstasy

A British man who has spent six years in a Thai prison after being wrongly convicted of manufacturing ecstasy has been released and could be...

A 57-year-old Swiss man has pleaded guilty in a court in Thailand to charges of insulting the king.

Oliver Jufer was arrested last December after drunkenly spray-painting several portraits of the monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In court, ...

A SYDNEY man was sentenced to death in Vietnam

A SYDNEY man was sentenced to death in Vietnam yesterday for trying to smuggle almost a kilogram of heroin to Sydney in his underwear, as tw...

Champion jockey Chris Munce

Champion jockey Chris Munce will fly into Sydney today as part of a prisoner exchange deal with authorities in Hong Kong. The 37-year-old wa...

Al-wathba prison in Abu Dhabi

Al-wathba prison in Abu Dhabi is notorious for its human rights abuse, stoning to death, lashings, overcrowding. Inmates sleep in cells desi...

KNOWN PRISONERS IN AL-WATHBA (not complete)

KNOWN PRISONERS IN AL-WATHBA (not complete) Name Country Sentence Age Building Notes Lissy Mathew Orathel India 4 years - - - Fawzeya Shamsuddin Sri Lanka 16 years - - - Marina Uzbekistan sentenced to 3 yrs - - - Amira Debaja Philippines 8 months - - - Nicole Sri Lanka sentenced 2 yrs - - now released Jinky Fingnit Phillipines 6 months - - now released Connie Phillipines sentenced 1 year - - - Yolanda Phillipines sentenced 5 months - - now released Gina Phillippines sentenced 8 mths - - now released Romina Phillipines sentenced 6 months and 80 lashes. - - Now released Natasha Uzbekistan sentenced 6 months and 200 lashes. - - Now released JC Malaysia sentenced 6 months - - now released Mei Lan China sentenced 6 months - - now released Yang China - - now released Sui may China - - - now released Rachelle Phillipines 6 months - - now released Reem Aza Jordan sentenced ? long time - -

KNOWN PRISONERS IN AL-WATHBA (not complete)

KNOWN PRISONERS IN AL-WATHBA (not complete) Name Country Sentence Age Building Notes Lissy Mathew Orathel India 4 years - - - Fawzeya Sha...

PRISONS IN ABU DHABI

There are several prisons in Abu Dhabi and all are notorious for their human rights abuse, stoning to death, lashings, overcrowding. Inmates...

British Citizen was arrested for the importation of Heroin in Thailand

In 1995 a British Citizen was arrested for the importation of Heroin in Thailand and later sentenced to life imprisonment. On August 12th 2004 this British Citizen became the first ever prisoner on a life sentence to transfer on the Thailand – England Prisoner Transfer Treaty. The Lord Chief Justice of England set a provisional tariff and it was then later formally set by the High Court of England to 10 years. 10 years tariff being the same term of imprisonment required by Thailand’s Law for a life sentence prisoner to serve before being eligible for parole(release on licence). When I enquired to the Home Office in England, about my own eligibility date to be considered for parole, (once I have transferred back to England on the Treaty). I was told by Paul Goggins MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State) click here that I would only be, automatically released from custody in England once I have served two-thirds of the balance of my sentence remaining at the date of my transfer to England. The balance of my sentence is calculated by deducting the time I have served in prison in Thailand. 4 years being the minimum I have to serve in a Thai prison before being eligible for transfer on the treaty to England. 4 years time served in Thailand deducted from my original sentence of 33 years and 6 months leaves me with a balance of sentence of 29 years 6 months. Of which according to the terms of the treaty and Mr. Paul Goggins, I have to serve two-thirds of 29 years 6 months, which is 19 years 8 months plus the 4 years I will have already served in a prison in Thailand. That equals a total of 23 years 8 months imprisonment. I would only be eligible for consideration for release on parole Licence once I have served one half of my original sentence, that being16 years 9month.

British Citizen was arrested for the importation of Heroin in Thailand

In 1995 a British Citizen was arrested for the importation of Heroin in Thailand and later sentenced to life imprisonment. On August 12th 20...

Christopher Alan Caunter, 34, was arrested on Wednesday

Police in Thailand have arrested a British man wanted in connection with the killing of his girlfriend, whose body was found in Essex. Chris...

British Citizen was arrested in Thailand

British Citizen was arrested in Thailand on April 21st 2003 for 25 grams of category 1 drug found in the house I was living. You may conside...

Briton held over 452 fake passports

A Briton was arrested at Bangkok airport yesterday with 452 fake blank European passports in his luggage, as he prepared to board a plane to...

2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria

So far in 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. The most significant incidents have been: On 21 September 2007, a bomb attack in Bouira injured at least nine people, including two French nationals and one Italian national. On 8 September 2007, a car bomb targeted the naval barracks in Dellys, 70km east of Algiers, killing at least 28 people and injuring over 60. On 6 September 2007, a bomb attack occurred amongst a crowd gathered outside a mosque in the wilaya of Batna, killing 20 people and injuring around 100. On 11 July 2007, a bomb attack occurred near a military barracks in Lakhdaria in the wilaya of Bouira killing at least eight soldiers and injuring more than 20. On 11 April 2007, three bomb attacks occurred in Algiers at two separate locations, killing 33 people and injuring over 100 others. One car bomb exploded near a building housing the offices of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister in the centre of Algiers. Two further bomb attacks took place in the district of Bab Ezzaour, close to a police station. The attacks were claimed by Al Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M), a name adopted by Algerian terrorist group the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in January 2007. Foreign workers and their means of transport have also been targets for attacks. On 3 March 2007, a bus carrying foreign workers in the Ain Defla district (south of Algiers) was targeted in a bomb attack, killing three Algerians and one Russian and injuring several others. On 10 December 2006, two minibuses carrying expatriate workers were targeted in a bomb and gun attack at Bouchaoui, in the western suburbs of Algiers. One Algerian national and one Lebanese national were killed. Six foreigners, including three British citizens, were injured. The Sahara Desert and mountainous regions in the south of the country have not normally been subject to terrorist violence, but the abduction of a group of unaccompanied foreign tourists there in early 2003 underlined the potential risk to travellers in the region. We therefore advise caution when travelling to the south eastern wilayas of Tamanrasset and Illizi and recommend that you travel with a reputable tour company or an approved local guide. You should also exercise caution when travelling in the area close to the border with Mauritania and Mali. Incidents have shown that there is an increased risk of terrorist attacks, banditry and kidnapping in these areas. If you are planning to travel to Algeria, you should be very careful about your personal security arrangements throughout your visit. We recommend varying unavoidable travel, changing the timings and routes of regular journeys where possible. For more information see Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas. Crime Most visits to Algeria are trouble-free. In certain areas of larger cities there are incidents of robbery (muggings), bag snatching, pick-pocketing and thefts of and from motor vehicles. There have been reports of car-jackings and robberies and thefts by criminals posing as police officers outside the main cities. You should avoid areas that you do not know, especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.

2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria

So far in 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. The most significant incidents have been: On 21 September 2007, a bomb...

Police forces across England and Wales took part in the biggest ever international operation against Internet paedophiles on Wednesday morning.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Landmark, has successfully identified 12 suspected paedophiles in the UK. At 06:00 GMT, the National Cri...

Several hundred thousand pounds worth of what are believed to be counterfeit and illegal drugs were seized, including lifestyle medicines and steroids

As a result of intensive investigations conducted by MHRA investigators, several addresses across the country (both residential and commercial) were today visited. Documentation, computers and banking records were also taken. The searches were carried out in North London, West Yorkshire and Manchester. Five individuals were arrested: four in London and one in West Yorkshire. Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement & Intelligence says "today's seizure is a result of a major investigation in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. Individuals or organisations who attempt to supply counterfeit medicines can expect to be thoroughly investigated. Where appropriate they can be prosecuted by the MHRA using a variety of legislation which could result in up to 10 years imprisonment and substantial fines." The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem. If an individual is convicted of offences under the Medicines Act 1968, they can be sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Where appropriate the MHRA will use the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to determine whether or not benefits were accrued through criminal activity and will recoup illicit earnings if the individual is found guilty.

Several hundred thousand pounds worth of what are believed to be counterfeit and illegal drugs were seized, including lifestyle medicines and steroids

As a result of intensive investigations conducted by MHRA investigators, several addresses across the country (both residential and commerci...

UK-based men have been identified as members of an international hacking group known as "THr34t-Krew".

a 19-year-old electrician and an unemployed 21-year-old -- are being interviewed today by the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU). The move follows the execution of search warrants this morning in County Durham. Two addresses were searched and evidence retrieved relating to computer and drugs offences. The operation was jointly conducted with officers from Durham Constabulary and the US multi-agency CATCH team (Computer and Technology Crime Hi-Tech Response Team), which is based in Southern California. A simultaneous search warrant was executed at an address in Illinois in the US, where additional evidence in the case was seized. The two UK-based men have been identified as members of an international hacking group known as "THr34t-Krew". The NHTCU claims this group is behind a worm which has infected approximately 18,000 computers worldwide. The worm, known as the TK worm, has been found to be present in a number of computers in the UK. The cost of the disruption caused is estimated at £5.5m. Detective Superintendent, Mick Deats, Deputy Head of the NHTCU, said in a statement: "Hacking and virus writing are serious crimes. They are costing UK firms millions of pounds in lost business and downtime. Our task is to track down those people who seek to hamper companies by reducing their ability to do business. "

UK-based men have been identified as members of an international hacking group known as "THr34t-Krew".

a 19-year-old electrician and an unemployed 21-year-old -- are being interviewed today by the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU). The move ...

US drug enforcement agent killed in Colombia

An official of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has been shot dead in Colombia. Police say the man, Frank Moreno, was kille...

Toronto's Pearson International Airport. drug ring

TORONTO -- Eleven people have been charged in connection to what police say is an international drug ring, after a major bust occurred earli...

Friday, 6 October 2006, Royal Navy

The Royal Navy has helped seize a haul of cocaine, with an estimated value of £60m on Britain's streets, from a ship off the coast of West Africa. Nearly two tonnes of the drug was found stashed below deck on the 100-feet long Panamanian-registered freighter. Acting on British intelligence, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll was diverted from exercises to take Spanish customs officials to stop Ster II. The six West African crew members put up no resistance, the Royal Navy said. The Spanish customs team were flown out to join Argyll in Navy helicopters before boarding the target freighter in the Atlantic, 1,600 miles south of the Canary Islands. Among its crew were five Senegalese and one person from Guinea Bissau. British officers had worked with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and law enforcement authorities from Spain, France and the US to trace the cocaine. On Friday, the Argyll and the captured freighter were heading for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands where they are expected to arrive next weekend.

Friday, 6 October 2006, Royal Navy

The Royal Navy has helped seize a haul of cocaine, with an estimated value of £60m on Britain's streets, from a ship off the coast of We...

UK agency seizes £3bn of cocaine

The UK's new nationwide law enforcement agency says it seized one fifth of Europe's cocaine supply in its first year of operation. T...

UK's answer to FBI accused of spin in drug seizures claims

Headline-grabbing claims of record drugs seizures by Britain's answer to the FBI - the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) - have prom...

Feds weed out drug paraphernalia sites

The US Justice Department on Monday said it indicted 11 Web site operators for allegedly selling illegal devices including bongs and holders...

Nato dumps Afghan opium adverts

BBC News - Nato forces in Afghanistan say that they have withdrawn paid adverts on a radio station which implied it was acceptable to grow o...

US under fire over Afghan poppy plan

The US is proceeding with plans for a big crop-spraying programme to destroy opium poppies in Afghanistan, in spite of resistance from the g...

Afghanistan's heroin-producing poppy crop

Afghanistan's heroin-producing poppy crop set another record this season, despite intensified eradication efforts, the American ambassad...