Schapelle Corby tells of her new life 15 years after her arrest
This week marks 15 years since former Gold Coast beauty student Schapelle Corby was found guilty of importing 4.2kg of marijuana to Bali in a boogie board bag.
Speaking to 7News, Corby said she had made it through “some very hard, dark times” and was grateful to be back in Australia with her family where she is exploring a new venture.
“Fifteen years and yes it feels it. I’m so thankful to be in Australia,” Corby said, reflecting on the past decade and a half.
“I made it through some very hard, dark times, which I don’t ever forget.”
Corby has been self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been keeping herself busy by making epoxy resin art, mostly in the form of clocks.
“I’m with Mum, I’m with family, I’ve updated, revised my book My Story, I’m in Queensland moving forward in life and I’m happy,” Corby said.
The 42-year-old has maintained her innocence ever since her arrest 15 years ago, and was forced to spend nine years behind bars in Bali and another three on parole.
Meanwhile, the judge who gave the verdict and slammed the jail door shut, says he remains sure he made the right decision.
Speaking to 7News from North Sumatra, where he is now a High Court judge, Judge Linton Sirait said he was unconcerned that Corby maintained her innocence.
“If she argues like that, that’s fine. No problem. However, as the judge, we handle the case and take the decision based on evidence. And I feel very sure,” Judge Sirait said.
Corby was arrested at Bali airport on October 8, 2004 after arriving on a flight from Australia.
She was caught with 4.2kg of marijuana during a customs search of her bag and was quickly labelled the “ganja queen” or marijuana queen by the Indonesian press.
She was jailed for 20 years on May 27, 2005 but was released on parole at the start of 2014 but had to stay an extra three years in Indonesia before her term officially expired.
On May 27, 2017 she left Bali and arrived in Australia the next day.
Now, Corby is exploring new passions by showcasing her new clocks on her Instagram account.
She described herself as a “Middle Aged Woman With A New Passion”, saying she would post new creations every Thursday or Friday for those who wanted to buy them.
“Hand made with #love by Me.”