Irishwoman will deny drug claims, says lawyer

An Irishwoman arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling in Peru will plead not guilty if charged, her solicitor has said.

As he left Belfast for Lima, lawyer Peter Madden confirmed that Michaella McCollum-Connolly, 20, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, would deny any allegations, but warned that legal proceedings could be lengthy.

He said his client was doing well in police custody, but it was a difficult position for a “young girl” to be in.