The Post

Intellectu­ally disabled Kiwi freed

- Denise Piper

An intellectu­ally disabled Kiwi, who was facing up to 12 years in jail in Bali for drug possession, is smiling again after being freed from jail.

Thomas Michael Daly, 38, had his dream adventure abroad turned into disarray when he was arrested at Bali’s internatio­nal airport with 4950 prescripti­on pills.

As required under Indonesian law, Daly had a doctor’s certificat­e for the 14 different medicines – used for schizophre­nia, diabetes and kidney problems, among other health issues. However, police arrested Daly over concerns about the massive volume of what are considered controlled substances, with illegal possession carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years behind bars.

Australian lawyer and former police officer John McLeod, who took on the case pro bono, said he managed to get all the charges pending against Daly dismissed and he was released on Tuesday night, Bali time.

Daly, from Whanga¯ rei, Northland, who has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, spent four days in jail.

McLeod said Daly had not yet said if he would carry on with his holiday.

‘‘It’s all been very overwhelmi­ng for him and I just wanted him to have some peace after getting released.’’

Daly’s father, Michael Daly, made no comment about the situation.

However, McLeod was critical of the New Zealand health system for allowing Daly to ‘‘fall through the cracks’’ and agreeing to supply him 12 months’ worth of prescripti­on medication for his travels around Asia.

McLeod said Daly travelled through Sydney before arriving at Bali airport on Friday, where customs officers found the drugs inside checked luggage and then took him into custody.

From Bali, he had planned to travel to Vietnam and then on to Thailand, where he wanted to buy a campervan and explore the country for nine months, despite having only NZ$3000.

Daly was so looking forward to the trip that he packed his bags four months in advance.

 ??  ?? Lawyer John McLeod, left, helped New Zealander Thomas Daly in Bali.
Lawyer John McLeod, left, helped New Zealander Thomas Daly in Bali.

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