Corby marks one year behind bars

KEROBOKAN, Bali- Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby marked a grim milestone behind bars alone yesterday - the first anniversary of her arrest.

Corby, 28, was jailed for 20 years in May after customs officers found 4.1 kilograms of marijuana in her luggage when she arrived at Bali's airport last October 8.

Her sister Mercedes says female prisoners are not allowed weekend visitors at Kerobokan prison, where Corby is being held as she awaits the outcome of an appeal in the Bali High Court.

The family visited her yesterday with a cake for Mercedes' 31st birthday.

"We didn't really talk about the anniversary," Mercedes said.

"Schapelle just groaned, 'Oh, it's been one year,' just like that, and then we didn't mention it again.

"We don't want to dwell on it, we just want to get her home."

Corby's sentence sparked anger in Australia, where many believe her claim that she was the innocent victim of an Australian gang.

If her appeal fails, her lawyers plan to go to Indonesia's Supreme Court, hoping for her release. But most trial watchers expect only a reduction of her sentence to between six and 10 years.

Meanwhile, Corby's supporters in Australia have likened her to Nelson Mandela.

"She's said she's been there a year and she's done the year, and if she strengthens herself, she will make it through," Rachelle Hamilton said today.

"She's strong, she's got a really strong and growing faith. She may be one of these very special people.

"Nelson Mandela was in jail for a long time and he ended up being a great leader and maybe she might have a destiny in her life of the same thing."

Supporters had made a book, called Footprints, containing words of encouragement written to her, she said.

It was written at a rally organised by Ms Hamilton for Ms Corby's birthday.

"We were able to send a book over to her last weekend with (her mother) Rosleigh.

"She will have it and we are happy about that.

"I am sure she will be encouraged by the beautiful words in this book. The letters of support she has received are really holding her up.

"I really believe that in the end there will be hope for Schapelle. She will not be forgotten by the people of Australia."

- AAP