Ruling not tied to row
TRADE Minister Simon Birmingham says the sentencing of an Australian to death in China for drug smuggling should not be linked to the ongoing friction between the countries.
Karm Gilespie, 56, was arrested with more than 7.5kg of methamphetamine in his checkin luggage in 2013 while trying to board an international flight from Baiyun Airport, in the southern city of Guangzhou.
The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court announced his sentencing on Saturday.
“This is very distressing for Mr Gilespie and his loved ones, and our government will continue to provide consular assistance,” Senator Birmingham told Sky News’ Sunday Agenda.
Asked whether he thought the sentence was linked to the political row between China and Australia, he said: “We shouldn’t necessarily view it as such.”
Bali-based entrepreneur Roger James Hamilton said in a Facebook post that he taught Gilespie seven years ago before he suddenly vanished.
“We spent a few years trying to find out how he could disappear so suddenly and so entirely. After that, we resigned ourselves to the idea that he had left because he wanted to start a new life,” Mr Hamilton wrote.
“He had been an active member of our community, encouraging others to be the best they could be. He was always there for others, which was why it was so strange he disappeared.”
He claims his friend had been duped into carrying the drugs.
“Knowing Karm, and knowing the love he had (and has) for his wife and his children, this is not a man that deserves to lose his life,” Mr Hamilton said.
In a business profile, Gilespie said he once worked as an actor, with credits in Blue Heelers and The Man from Snowy River. He turned to investing, motivational speaking and business coaching, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Senator Birmingham said Gilespie had a 10-day window to appeal against the sentence.