Prosecutor says 'Peru two' face lengthy terms - even if they plead guilty

The prosecutor overseeing the case of two women arrested last month trying to fly to Spain with 24lb of cocaine says each faces at least six years and eight months in prison with no eligibility for parole if they plead guilty.

Prosecutor Juan Bautista Mendoza said today that a further sentence reduction is possible if the women testify against co-conspirators.

Otherwise, they face between eight and 15 years.

Twenty-year-old Michaella McCollum and 19-year-old Melissa Reid have a court hearing on Tuesday.

McCollum’s lawyer Peter Madden said he could not yet say whether she would plead guilty or go to trial.

After her arrest he said the two women were coerced by a gang of up to 15 armed men.