36 year old Annice Smoel pleaded guilty to theft yesterday and was given a suspended jail sentence and had to pay 1000 baht in fine. The fine was picked up by the Governor of Phuket.
Annice Smoel and her husband are expected to return to Australia today for a reunion with their four children. It is believed that the Thai Government intervened yesterday and asked for a speedy trial.
The case has created headlines in Australia after the 36 year old was unable to leave Thailand after being accused of stealing a been mat during a visit to the Aussie Bar in Patong.
Her Australian lawyer Bernard Murphy said he was cautiously satisfied to The Daily Telegraph.
"But it’s still quite a sensitive situation, we don’t want to say anything further until Annice is on a plane," he said.
"The most important thing for us to do is to get her home."
It is believed she will return to Australia today.
