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| Matthew Norman | |
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| Born | September 17, 1986 |
| Alias(es) | Bali Nine |
| Charge(s) | Drug trafficking |
| Conviction(s) | Drug trafficking |
| Penalty | Life (pending confirmation) |
| Status | Imprisoned (Indonesia) |
Matthew Norman (b. September 17, 1986 [1]) is an Australian from New South Wales, known as a member of the Bali Nine who are now in jail for life.
Norman was arrested at the Melasti Hotel in Kuta on April 17, 2005 at the time he was aged 18 with Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Myuran Sukumaran and Si Yi Chen. Police claim the group were in possession of 350 grams of heroin and other items indicating involvement in a plan to transport the drugs to Australia. Five other Australians were arrested earlier at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Norman was the youngest of the nine arrested. Norman completely shaved his head for his final court appearance. Norman was sentenced to life imprisonment on February 15, 2006, reduced to 20 years upon appeal. On September 6, 2006, his sentence was upgraded to the death penalty. [2]
On Wednesday March 5, 2008 Three judges in the Supreme Court in Jakarta decided to spare the lives of Si Yi Chen, Matthew Norman and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen. Three who were convicted of heroin smuggling had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
The three had launched a final appeal, known as a judicial review, or PK, claiming the court which had increased their sentence from 20 years to the death penalty was in error. [3]
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Criminal charges pending in Australia
Norman and fellow Bali Nine defendant Renae Lawrence were arrested on March 26, 2005 whilst travelling along the Pacific Highway in a stolen Ford Laser vehicle. Police were required to use road spikes to intercept the stolen vehicle. Both were due to appear in the Gosford Magistrates Court to face car theft and traffic related charges On April 26, 2005, however failed to appear due to their imprisonment in Indonesia a week earlier on April 17, 2005. [4]
Criminal trial
During his final plea to judges, Norman said
- "I made a promise to myself that I would not take drugs or be associated with anybody involved of using drugs. I'd ask you today to give the opportunity to restart my new Christian life, which I have found in jail. I ask with all my heart you will let me have the opportunity to help other people in life. In all honesty I was in the wrong place at the wrong time" [5].
Norman's mother, Robyn Norman, said after sentencing a life sentence was a better result than the death penalty, and also thanked the Indonesian government for looking after her son,
- Well, it's better than being shot, I suppose. He's OK. Hopefully they'll keep on looking after him while I'm not here and when I return and spend a bit more time with my son." [6].
Soon after however, Norman's sentence was upgraded to death.
On March 5, 2008, the PK, upon confirmation, reduced on appeal his sentence to life.
See also
References
- PM to oppose Bali death sentences, February 13, 2006
- Embassy team to monitor verdicts for Bali nine, The Age, February 11, 2006
- Bali three spared from death penalty, March 5, 2008
- Bali nine 'organiser' arrested, Sydney Morning Herald, February 13, 2006
- D-Day for the Bali nine, Sydney Morning Herald, February 13, 2006
- Bali Nine cling to faith, Herald Sun, February 13, 2006
- Don't interfere: Bali 9 judges
- Bali Nine trial delayed by ceremony
- Lawrence terrified of 'godfather' Chan
- Lawyers seek charges to extradite Bali nine
- Bali Nine death warning
- Warning hits Bali trial hopes
- Pub talk sent mules on Bali 'holiday'
- Sick days slow down Bali Nine trials
- Fairness of Bali Nine trial in jeopardy, say laywers
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