Tensions mount between family and fiancé of accused Aussie drug smuggler
As an accused drug smuggler remains firmly locked away in an overcrowded Colombian prison, back home in Adelaide tensions are mounting between her fiancé and family.
Both parties have now engaged separate lawyers that they claim will represent Cassie Sainsbury in her desperate bid for freedom.
The 22-year-old personal trainer allegedly attempted to smuggle 5.8 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a series of headphones, that she claimed were presents for her upcoming bridal party.
Her fiancé Scott Broadbridge refused to comment outside the couple’s Moana home on Thursday but announced he’ll be holding a media conference tomorrow morning, with his lawyers.
He’s promised to answer mounting questions over Cassie’s story.
He has hired prominent Adelaide lawyer Stephen Kenny, who represented David Hicks.
He’s set to have his work cut out for him with Mr Broadbridge already disputing several comments made by Cassie’s family, including that she was working as a personal trainer.
After a 7 News investigation revealed Cassie's failed gym venture, her landlord has now reached out saying that she also owed him money but he “put her in a position where she had no choice but to pay him back".
CCTV footage shows final moments before arrest
Exclusive new CCTV images reveal the final moments of freedom for a young Australian woman accused of trying to smuggle kilograms of cocaine out of Colombia.
The images show Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, leaving a hotel with her suitcase in hand. The same suitcase in which it is alleged she had 5.8 kilograms of the illegal drug.
Shortly afterwards the South Australian was in the custody of Colombian authorities who said the drugs were found stashed in headphones in her luggage.
Since April 12, Ms Sainsbury has remained in a Bogota prison, with lawyers suggesting she may need to plead guilty in order to get home to Australia without risking decades in a South American prison.
Leading up to her arrest Ms Sainsbury left a trail of her travels in social media posts and also spoke of looking forward to a "life-changing" event.
Luggage tags show she had successfully checked in to board Flight AV120 from Bogota to London’s Heathrow Airport, flying with Avianca Airways.
While she faces up to 25 years if convicted, her lawyer, Orlando Herran, has advised the 22-year-old to plead guilty in an attempt to lessen the sentence.
The confession could result in her serving a four-year term, with two in Bogota and the remaining two years back in Australia in home detention.
Should she decide to fight the charge it would take at least two years to have the matter heard and may lead to a 20-year sentence.
