Nola Blake - Trial

Trial

The trial of Blake and Hudson was held Wednesday 15 June 1988 at the Bangkok Criminal Court. Shortly after their arrest Hudson had provided a written confession claiming he alone had been involved in the drug deal and that Blake knew nothing of it. While admitting to possession, Hudson denied that he intended to sell the drugs.

At the trial, Blake claimed innocence and pleaded not guilty. Blake and Hudson were both found guilty and sentenced to death; however, Hudson's sentence was commuted to life because of his confession. The trial was conducted in Thai with no interpreters. Blake, who spoke some Thai, struggled to follow the reportedly rushed proceedings. She was informed of the outcome only while being led back to the holding cells, and was seen to stagger and almost fall with shock. She later declared that "They're going to kill me. I knew it was coming. I shall not appeal."

At the trial Kittidejdamkern also denied possessing or trafficking in heroin. He was also found guilty and sentenced to death. The court said the maximum penalty was imposed due to the large quantity of heroin involved.

Blake translated the verdict for Hudson, who appeared pale and shaken. Hudson reported that "She never knew it was in the bags I was carrying. She never looked in them - she was just window shopping at the time". The court judgement stated that "her words of denial did not convince the court". The court stressed that several policemen had seen Blake sitting with Kittidejdamkern at a coffee shop table, working out sums on a pocket calculator. Two New South Wales people were arrested and charged after being found to be involved in the Bangkok case.