South African Thai prisoner, Ashley Oosthuizen’s (23) application for leave to appeal was heard in front of an independent bench of judges in the Koh Samui court in Thailand yesterday, 17 August, where it reduced her sentence.
Also Read: Viral plea to #FreeAshley, a 22-year-old from George allegedly trapped in a Thai prison
Ashley’s mom, Lynn Blignaut, said that Ashley’s appeal went well and that her sentence was reduced from a life sentence (50-100 years) to 33 years and four months, from an initial death sentence which was later reduced to a life sentence. The Family has another 30 days to appeal.
“We hoped from the nature of the case that she would be released. But we rest with our heavenly Father that he still has everything under control. We praise him for every little miracle. Our trust is still in him and we know his plans for Ashley’s future are good. We know we serve a living God who loves us very much and will never leave us and will never forsake us. His plans are not our plans and they are far greater than we’ll ever realize!”
The family are still waiting for the full translation of the court outcome in order to avoid any confusion. The goal is to prove Ashley’s innocence and she has received a 30-day appeal with the hope being that she will be acquitted, as per News24.
“Our hopes for the appeal is to prove her innocence, if possible to bring things that were left out previously into the light,” Blignaut said.
Ashley’s successful appeal is a testament that better days are ahead. Please continue to keep Ashley in your thoughts and prayers.
Also Read:
#FreeAshley update: a potential royal pardon and a return of the website dedicated to ‘free’ her
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery