SA father Troy Smith likely to escape Bali prison after alleged meth possession

Former Port Lincoln father Troy Smith has learned whether he will face time inside a Bali jail cell — with his charge over 3g of meth determined.

Port Lincoln father Troy Smith will likely escape prison after being allegedly caught with more than 3g of meth inside his Bali hotel room, with prosecutors recommending he serve his sentence in a rehab facility.

Authorities said Mr Smith’s “politeness during trial”, admission to drug use and the father-of-two’s position as the “backbone of his family” were behind their decision.

Mr Smith, 49, was facing up to 12 years in jail and a fine of 8bn Indonesian Rupiah (AU$741,690) if charged with more serious offences.

However, in court on Thursday, prosecutors recommended Mr Smith answer to lesser charges of personal drug use, which would see him serve eight months inside Anargya Dober House rehabilitation centre.

In a statement inside court, an emotional Mr Smith said he felt remorse over the allegations and “loved Bali”.

Prosecutors previously alleged Mr Smith smoked meth from a glass pipe on April 29, the day before his hotel room at Legian — north of Bali’s party capital of Kuta — was raided.

There, they allege, they discovered a package with 3.15g of methamphetamine stuffed inside a Colgate toothpaste container — a delivery Mr Smith’s lawyers have maintained was unsolicited.

Port Lincoln father Troy Smith facing trial at Denpasar Court in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Mr Smith’s wife Tracy did not attend court proceedings. Picture: Yuda

Mr Smith previously admitted he had been using methamphetamine since 2020 to curb an alcohol addiction.

The 49-year-old’s new wife Tracy Ijusa, now Tracy Smith, who he married in Nairobi in December last year, was once again nowhere to be seen during proceedings.

Notable “fixer” John McLeod – an Australian security provider who helped orchestrate Schapelle Corby’s release from Kerobokan Prison – is currently in Bali assisting Mr Smith and his family with their case.

Mr McLeod said he was grateful to Balinese authorities for the “fair hearing” and believed the decision was a “just outcome”.

Mr Smith’s sentence is expected to be handed down on July 4.

“We hope … Troy can move on with his life and put this bad episode behind him, continue with his rehabilitation and become a better person from what he’s been through here,” Mr McLeod said.

Mr McLeod said he had once again advised Mrs Smith not to attend Thursday’s court appearance, saying she had been overwhelmed by the media attention.

He said Mrs Smith remained steadfast in her support for her husband.

Originally published as SA father Troy Smith likely to escape Bali prison after alleged meth possession