Drug smuggler accused back in own bed

The parents of a woman held in China on suspicion of smuggling drugs say their daughter has returned to her home in Australia and has just spent her first night back in her own bed.

22-year-old Kalynda Davis from Sydney was accused along with another man of smuggling a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, and could have faced the death penalty if found guilty.

Ms Davis' parents said in a statement they were happy to have her home.

"We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations. Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence," the statement said.

Mr and Mrs Davies hired solicitors in both Sydney and China in order to facilitate the release of their daughter on the grounds that she was only carrying hand luggage.

It is believed this fact was key in securing her release from prison and escaping a possible death sentence.

Reports indicate Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop threw her weight behind the release and engaged with consular officials in China who negotiated Ms Davis'.

Ms Davis was reported missing in early November after meeting up with 25 year-old Peter Gardiner and subsequently ended up in a Chinese prison.

The pair were stopped from leaving Guangzhou and initially accused of having as much as 75 kilograms of the drug 'ice' on them.
After weeks of behind-the-scenes wrangling, Ms Davies made a surprise return home on Tuesday.

The family said thank you to supporters who offered well wishes during the month-long ordeal.

Ms Davis's male companion is believed to still be overseas and possibly facing the death penalty.

Morning news break – December 10