The families of Melbourne backpackers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles have received the devastating news that no one is likely to face serious prison time for their deaths.
The 19-year-old best friends died from methanol poisoning in Laos in November 2024, alongside four other international tourists.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed on Thursday that Lao prosecutors are backtracking on serious charges, leaving the families shattered.
Instead of facing charges carrying at least five years behind bars, the operators of the “Tiger” alcohol brand now reportedly face a maximum of just one year in jail and a fine.
It follows a Lao court’s decision in January to hand suspended sentences to ten hostel staff for tampering with evidence.
Bianca’s father, Mark Jones, has branded the lightweight penalties as “disgusting,” saying it implies their daughters’ lives are worth next to nothing.
DFAT acknowledged the devastating setback in a letter to the families, admitting the charges contradict previous assurances given by Lao authorities.
Jones is now demanding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese step in and lobby his Lao counterpart directly.
