Corby trial postponed for week amid chaotic court scenes

DENPASAR, Bali - The trial of accused drug trafficker Schapelle Corby has been adjourned for another week amid hysterical scenes after Corby collapsed in the witness chair.

Corby appeared to faint as she sat for the opening of a trial day in which Indonesian prosecutors had been expected to reveal if they want her put to death.

She collapsed as scores of journalists and photographers crushed in around her in the Denpasar District Court, which was also packed with onlookers and Corby's family.

A doctor was immediately called by Australia's consul in Bali, Brent Hall.

Corby was laid on a witness bench when the female medic arrived for a hurried examination during a five minute court adjournment.

The three judges then postponed the trial for a week amid hysterical scenes and shouting, ordering Corby be returned to prison for examination by a doctor there and possibly taken to hospital.

Corby's sister Mercedes vaulted the public barrier in the court to comfort her sister, who she said had been "hysterical" this morning ahead of the trial.

Her father Michael stood screaming at journalists and court officials amid the chaos, demanding they clear a space around his daughter.

The judges ordered a full medical report on Corby be filed by next Wednesday, a day ahead of the next trial day.

The 27-year-old former beauty student from the Gold Coast arrived at court handcuffed to an Indonesian female prisoner, who fainted shortly after they were let out of the police van and into a media crush today, dragging the screaming Corby down as well.

Mercedes rushed in to help, yelling angrily at journalists to "Leave her alone, all of you!" before striking an Indonesian reporter over the head with her handbag.

Police were forced to carry the two prisoners, still handcuffed, to a holding cell.

Mercedes said her sister was "hysterical" and still suffering from stress and diarrhoea which forced the postponement of her trail appearance last week.

"Did you see her, getting carried like a baby, screaming and then being taken to the cell screaming?" she asked AAP.

Corby was to learn if prosecutors will seek the death penalty if she is convicted of smuggling 4.1kg of cannabis into Bali in her unlocked bodyboard bag last October. She has denied the charges.

The Australian government has appealed to Indonesia for clemency.

- AAP