Evidence could set Nick free (From Stroud News and Journal)

Evidence could set Nick free

KEY evidence which may clear accused Stroud drug smuggler Nick Baker's name has not been considered by the Japanese authorities, according to his mother and an MEP.

Sarah Ludford MEP is backing his mother Iris's campaign for justice.

As reported a fortnight ago in the SNJ, Nick, 31, was arrested last year after allegedly carrying a suitcase with more than 41,000 Ecstasy tablets and 30 ounces of cocaine into the country.

His mother, who lives in Cirencester, says he has lost three stone in weight, is dirty and unshaven and has been put on suicide watch at the prison in Chiba, near Tokyo.

She has continually protested his innocence and claims he was duped by a "friend" into carrying the case.

Now, her campaign has one the support of London MEP Sarah Ludford, who is the spokesmen on Justice and Home Affairs for the Liberal Democrat group.

The politician says the Japanese authorities have not considered "compelling" evidence from Belgium in relation to Nick's travelling partner, who was arrested there in connection with a similar offence.

She said: "I believe that by considering the correct evidence, the Japanese courts could be as persuaded as I am of Nick's innocence.

"The Foreign Office have a duty to satisfy themselves of Nick's welfare and to work with his legal team and the Japanese authorities to ensure that all evidence that could show his innocence will be heard in court."

Nick, has denied a charge of drug trafficking and is currently awaiting a verdict from his trial, which ended in Japan last month.

The prosecutor in the case has recommended a 15 year prison sentence but Baroness Ludford is urging judges to re-open the case.

Nick, who has a two-year-old son and a partner in Stroud travelled to Japan last April to visit football stadiums ahead of the World Cup.

Nick claims he was left to look after his friend's luggage when his travelling partner offered to collect Nick's belongings from the carousel.

He says his friend then suggested they meet on the other side of the customs as there were two queues moving at different speeds.

Mrs Baker, has since enlisted the help of the international Fair Trials Abroad charity, which helps EU citizens who say they are innocent of the crimes they are accused of and she is in regular touch with the Foreign Office.

The Japanese Embassy in London declined to comment.