Accused drug smuggler’s family lash out at trolls

The young Australian woman who was caught allegedly smuggling 5.8 kilograms of cocaine out of Colombia has been the target of vicious internet trolls since the news broke of her arrest, prompting family to come to her defence. 

Police allegedly found the cocaine wrapped in black plastic and stuffed into 15 boxes of headphones that she claimed to have bought for cheap from a man she befriended and who had been acting as her translator in the Colombian capital of Bogota, as presents for her bridal party in her upcoming wedding.

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Before it was deactivated, her fiance Scott Broadbridge wrote on Sainsbury’s fundraising page that it is easy for tourists to be targeted in this type of drug smuggling. 

“She helped manage a commercial cleaning business that had both national and international clients. Unfortunately it’s very easy for tourists to get targeted, especially in Colombia.”

According to news.com.au, Mr Broadbridge’s sister Jasmin also defended Sainsbury on social media.

“We’re all supposed to unite in times like this but I’ve been reading the most hateful and negative comments that people have been writing about someone who is a total stranger to them. You can assume what you want, but Cassie is a beautiful and strong person and everyone who knows her, even just a little bit, knows that there is absolutely no way she is guilty,” she wrote on Facebook.

Sainsbury faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges against her, however if she pleads guilty, that could be reduced to six years, and four years if she identifies others involved. There are fears that she could be in danger in the notorious prison in which she awaits trial if she identifies others, however.

With the evidence stacking up against her, she may be left with little choice. 

What are your thoughts on this bizarre case?