§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government.
Whether they will make representations to the authorities in Morocco for the release of Mr Steven Bryant in view of the fact that it is likely that he has spent more time in a Moroccan gaol for drug offences than would be expected if he had been dealt with by the British authorities and judicial system for similar offences. [HL1028]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleMr Bryant has been tried, convicted and sentenced in accordance with Moroccan law. We have to respect the laws and sentences of other Sovereign States. We have no basis in international law to make representations on Mr Bryant's behalf because the sentence he received under Moroccan law exceeds the sentence he may have received if he had been tried under British Law.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received any indications of when Mr Steven Bryant will be released from a Moroccan gaol. [HL1029]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleMr Bryant is due for release on 3 March 2003. Before his release he must pay court fines of DH300,00.00 (about £19,354). If he cannot pay the fines he will have to serve additional time in prison. The amount of extra time would he for the court to decide.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is any prospect of Mr Steven Bryant serving a proportion of his Moroccan prison sentence in a United Kingdom gaol. [HL1030]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleThe UK and Moroccan Governments hope to be able to sign and ratify a bilateral prison transfer agreement soon. Once this has been done, Mr Bryant will be able to apply to serve the remainder of his sentence in the UK.