Family defends mum accused of Bali cop’s murder

An Australian suspected of murdering a Bali policeman is a loving mother and the claims she’s facing are at odds with her character, her family says.

Byron Bay mother-of-two Sara Connor and her British boyfriend David James Taylor have been named as suspects in the death of local police officer Wayan Sudarsa, whose bloodied body was found on a Kuta beach early last Wednesday. His face was battered and the remains of a beer bottle were found near his head.

The pair remain in custody for further questioning and face three alternate charges: murder, manslaughter and assault causing death.

Murder convictions could see them jailed for 15 years.

The Australian woman’s shocked family has issued a statement in her defence, saying the 45-year-old is a good mother who loves her two boys, 9 and 11, more than anything.

‘‘The accusations laid against her are totally out of character for this beautiful person,’’ the family said. ‘‘Her love for her boys is the biggest love in her life. She is very passionate about life and exudes enthusiasm wherever she goes.’’

The pair had already returned to the beach with police to describe what happened on the night the officer died. Connor and Taylor have also been subjected to forensic examinations.

Connor’s lawyer Erwin Siregar, who also represented convicted Bali drug mule Schapelle Corby, has told reporters Connor has signed a document allowing her detention for the next 20 days, but that can be extended to 100 days.