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WORLD: British law graduates ‘will admit lying over robbery’
Peter Dominiczak and Gerard Couzens06.08.09
Two British law graduates held in Brazil over falsely claiming they were robbed are to plead guilty to the charge, said their lawyer.
Shanti Andrews and Rebecca Turner, both 23, appeared in court in Rio de Janeiro yesterday accused of attempted insurance fraud but did not enter pleas.
The pair, who both studied at the University of Sussex, were bailed to a hotel in the city where they will stay until their trial on 17 August.
Their lawyer Renato Tonini said that according to Brazilian law, they would enter their pleas after evidence against them was heard.
He said: “Their guilty pleas will be said at the end of the trial.”
Asked whether the pair were likely to be given prison sentences, Mr Tonini said: “I don't think that will happen. It could be a fine, it could be social service in England, social service in Brazil.”
Andrews, from Frant in Kent, and Turner, from Woolton Hill, Berkshire, were held after telling police they had been robbed during a bus trip.
Reader views (6)
I'm just waiting to read the story about how 'they wuz framed' (once they're safely back in the UK). Something they will learn though is that once stained, your integrity remains tarnished for an awful long time.
- Rogan, Irving
These two have shown that they lack the integrity to be admitted as solicitors or to the Bar. I wish them every success in an alternative profession - but not the law.
- Bg, London
AS they will have a Criminal Record I trust this will mean that they will be unable to practice in the Law Proffession. There Crime was premedetated, involved fruad, deceit and lieing all for personal gain..these two are Criminals not poor little ' mummys darlings' and do not deserve any sympathy.
- Clif, London
Leave them over there to serve the sentence they deserve.
- P Staker, London
Social Service in Brazil could be an interesting one, nothing like properly getting your hands dirty is there?
- Bob, Cheam
You need to be a very good liar and actor to become a lawyer - they obviously aren't cut out for the job!
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
