Aussie woman jailed for Thai bar mat theft freed

MELBOURNE- An Australian woman arrested and jailed for stealing a bar mat from a Thailand nightspot was allowed to return home Thursday after pleading guilty to theft.

Tourist Annice Smoel, who had faced up to five years in jail, was given a six-month suspended jail sentence and a fine of 38 Australian dollars ($29) on Wednesday.

"I'm absolutely exhausted - this has been the longest flight home ever. I just wanted to see my kids again," she told reporters after embracing her tearful daughters at Melbourne airport.

Smoel, 36, was arrested May 2 during a birthday celebration for her mother at the Aussie Bar on the resort island of Phuket. She said two friends put a bar mat into her handbag as a joke.

The owner of the bar, Steve Wood, said Smoel abused police who challenged her about the bar mat and tried to run away from them. Once taken to the police station, Smoel continued to abuse officers, including the chief of police, Wood said.

She spent four nights in jail before being released on bail.

-AP