An Australian man accused of smuggling a mix of marijuana, tobacco and prescription-only drugs into Bali has been sentenced to 10 months of rehabilitation.
Joshua Baker, from Queensland, was arrested by police at an airport in Bali on October 8, and was found guilty Tuesday of possessing an illegal narcotic for personal use, Nine News reported.
The 32-year-old was ordered to stay in Indonesia for the duration of his treatment, after being given a lessened punishment because of his mental health condition.
Joshua Baker (pictured inside Bali courtroom Tuesday) has been sentenced to 10 months of rehabilitation for smuggling a mix of marijuana, tobacco and prescription-only drugs into Bali
Baker had his bags searched after customs officers became suspicious of him as he passed through airport security last year.
Inside his luggage they found 28 grams of marijuana mixed with tobacco and 37 tablets of an anti-anxiety drug believed to be Diazepam.
Baker was denied a plea to have his case thrown out because of his mental health.
In his sentencing, the head judge said Baker had damaged Bali’s reputation as an international tourism destination, but he still agreed to spare him prison.
Baker (pictured), from Queensland, was arrested by police at an airport in Bali on October 8
Inside his luggage they found 28 grams of marijuana mixed with tobacco and 37 tablets of an anti-anxiety drug believed to be Diazepam (pictured is marijuana allegedly possessed by Mr Baker)
Baker had his bags searched after customs officers became suspicious of him as he passed through airport security last year
The judge said Baker was still young enough to turn his life around, and described him as a ‘drug addict’ with ‘psychiatric problems’.
He argued the sentence was lessened because Baker admitted to the crime and appeared to ‘regret his actions’.
The 32-year-old was spotted hugging his sister last month inside what appeared to be a reception area for the mental health unit.
Following his arrested, Mr Baker led police on a 10-hour chase when he allegedly escaped after asking to use the toilet.
Baker initially faced 15 years in prison but was released from police custody and taken to a mental health institution.
The head judge said Baker had damaged Bali’s reputation as an international tourism destination, but he still agreed to spare him prison
The judge said Baker was still young enough to turn his life around, and described him as a ‘drug addict’ with ‘psychiatric problems’