Schapelle Corby: 20 years since Gold Coast woman was convicted of drug smuggling in Bali

The verdict in the Schapelle Corby saga, delivered 20 years ago this week, stopped the nation as friends and supporters of the Gold Coast woman reacted with fury.

The Schapelle Corby saga gripped the Gold Coast and Australia as a whole from the moment it began in late 2004 through until her return home to Australia in 2017.

This week marks 20 years since the Tugun woman was convicted of smuggling 4.2kg of marijuana into the Indonesian holiday destination of Bali in a bodyboard bag.

Corby was arrested in October 2004 while on a trip with her brother James to visit their sister Mercedes, who lived in Kuta with her husband.

Her subsequent trial proved to be a media circus which captured the attention of the nation as it played out in Bali during occasionally tense political tensions between Australia and Indonesia.

Schapelle Corby during the trial (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

While Corby maintained her innocence, the trial attracted several colourful characters, including Gold Coast lawyer Robin Tampoe, flamboyant Indonesian lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea and Gold Coast developer Ron Bakir, who financially backed Corby’s case to the tune of more than $200,000.

It came to a head on Friday, May 27, 2005 as Corby was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years behind bars.

The verdict, which was watched live on television by millions of people, shocked many and dismayed Corby’s supporters.

Schapelle Corby (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Corby’s mother Roseleigh Rose and sister Mercedes shouted at the judges as the then 27-year-old broke down in years and hit her head against her palm repeatedly.

Gasps were heard among more than 100 friends and family who watched on at Tugun Surf Life Saving Club.

Helensvale resident Amy Solowiej said she was devastated by the verdict.

Schapelle Corby's mother, Roseleigh Rose and sister Mercedes Corby shouting after the verdict (Photo by Dimas Ardian/Getty Images)

“An Australian serving 20 years in an Indonesian jail … I feel unreal, completely,” she said.

“It’s absolutely crazy. It could have been any one of us.”

Then-prime minister John Howard gave a measured statement on the verdict.

“I say at the outset, that guilty or innocent, I feel for this young woman,” he said.

“If she is guilty I feel for her, that a tragic mistake and tragic act has done so much damage to her young life.

“If she is innocent, my feelings for her are redoubled.”

Supporters and family of Schapelle Corby gather at Tugun Surf Club hearing the verdict (l to r) Natalie Wolf, Guy Pilgrim, Rachelle Hamilton, Grace Gregory 9 years with mum Michelle Hamilton and Natalie Preci. Picture: Donna Cosford

Mr Howard said his thoughts were with the Corby family.

“As the father of young adult children, I know that many other mothers and fathers around Australia will, of course, feel the vulnerability that was felt by the family of this girl,’’ he said.

“The fact that we are a nation whose young travel so much – it is an issue that has touched this country very directly.’’

Corby’s uncle Shun Hatton spoke on behalf of the family, who he described as genuinely shocked at the outcome.

Natalie Wolfe crying as she listened to verdict finding Schapelle Corby guilty.

“Ros reacted the way she did in the court because she really believed her daughter would be coming home,” he said.

“We’ve had a few hours to take stock of what has happened and the response is simple – the appeal process is already in action.

“Schapelle is innocent and we are certain she will not serve 20 years in any jail, in Bali or in Australia. I know it’s a cliche, and yes, of course we’ve lost this battle, but we will win the war and Schapelle will come home to the Gold Coast and not serve a 20-year sentence.’’

Corby ultimately spent nine years behind bars during which time her father Michael died of cancer.

After receiving several sentence reductions, Corby was freed on parole in February 2014 but forced to remain in Bali a further three years.

She returned to Australia in May 2017 and still lives on the Gold Coast today.

She is active on social media as an artist.