Sentencing for Australian in Java delayed

AN Indonesian court has delayed sentencing an Australian man over a package of drugs police found in his home, because of his illness.

ANDREW Roger, 52, has been in Indonesian custody for eight months after marijuana, crystal meth and various pills were seized in the raid in Surabaya, East Java.

Prosecutors argued the former Darwin resident should serve 16 years from a maximum 20 years, because of the quantity and variety of drugs involved.

Roger's lawyers argued he needed rehabilitation for proven marijuana dependance that had spanned 35 years of his life.

He was due to be sentenced on Monday but Roger told the court he felt so unwell, he couldn't focus on the proceedings.

He said medications he needed were out of stock at the prison where he's remanded.
The sentencing was delayed to Wednesday.

In court last week, the waste management contractor pleaded to be spared from prison.
He said a 16-year term amounted to a life sentence because of his age and poor health.
When Roger was arrested, he was being treated for injuries from a motorbike crash that almost claimed his leg.

He has told the court he also suffers anxiety, panic and insomnia if he doesn't smoke pot.
A father of adult children and grandfather, Roger said his months in jail had been hell.
"The mental effect and terror of this has been incredible," he said.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/