Aussie's freedom bid denied
By CINDY WOCKNER in Bali
JAILED Perth millionaire yachtsman Chris Packer's plea for release from jail has been denied by Bali's police chief.
Mr Packer, 52, has endured a nightmare in two jail cells since his arrest on November 19 for failing to declare six guns he carried on his 55m boat, which has been impounded.
Mr Packer and one of his brothers, Willy, who was holidaying in Bali at the time of the arrest, met General Made Mangku Pastika, appealing for him to consider releasing Mr Packer from jail pending the court case.
But their arguments about Chris Packer's good character and pledges that he would return to Bali to face court failed to sway the police chief.
"(Allegations) in Indonesia concerning guns are very serious because it is not common for Indonesians to have guns, except for the military and police," General Pastika said.
If he goes back to Australia, or anywhere, then maybe we can't find him."
General Pastika, lauded for his work in investigations into the 2002 Bali bombings, vowed to have the case ready for court as soon as possible.
He hoped the brief of evidence would be completed next week.
Mr Packer has been detained under weapons laws, accused of failing to declare to Customs the guns he had on the Lissa when he arrived in Indonesian waters.
The law carries a maximum 20-year jail term.
Mr Packer, who has been sailing the world for five years, has admitted ownership of the guns for self-defence while in pirate-infested waters and for target shooting.
Mr Packer also has been questioned by narcotics officers about a small quantity of material found in a drawer on the Lissa. It is being tested to see if it is cannabis.
