McCollum could face eight years if found guilty

An Irish woman accused of drug-smuggling in Peru could face up to eight years in prison if found guilty.

The police officer in charge of the investigation said this could be reduced if Michaella McCollum and her co-accused Melissa Reid co-operate with police.

Police Colonel Tito Perez made the comments to journalists in Lima.

Ms McCollum from Co Tyrone is being held along with Scottish woman Ms Reid, 19, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 10.8kg of cocaine to Spain from Lima's international airport.

Both deny the accusations, and say they are victims of a violent gang who coerced them into carrying the drugs.

Ms Reid's father, William, is in Lima and has vowed to bring his daughter home.

Solicitor Peter Madden, who is representing Ms McCollum, is expected to arrive in Peru today.

As he left Belfast for Lima, he said that Ms McCollum would deny any allegations if charged, but warned that legal proceedings could be lengthy.

He said: "She is saying she has done nothing wrong, that she is innocent and that as far as any offences are concerned, if she is charged she will be denying it."

Mr Reid was able to visit his daughter at the Dirandro police station in Lima for 15 minutes on Wednesday night and for longer last night.

Police are waiting for a translator before officially questioning the two women, which is expected to happen in the next few days.

They may be held pre-charge for up to 30 days and could then spend up to three years in prison before a trial.

A priest based in Lima said conditions in Peruvian jails were harsh.

Fr Maurice Foley, who is currently on a visit to Ireland, said there were no individual cells and the two women could be accommodated in a large holding area with up to 50 other women.

He said if convicted they could receive sentences of up to eight years, but could end up serving a much shorter time due to other considerations, such as time off for good behaviour.

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