‘Overwhelming’ support for family of Melissa Reid

Melissa Reid (20) and co-accused Michaella McCollum, from County Tyrone, were arrested with 11kg of cocaine – said to be worth £1.5m – at Lima airport in August.

The pair have admitted trying to smuggle the drugs, but insist they were forced into it.

It is understood their pleas were made in exchange for a shorter sentence.

However, prosecutors in Peru are calling on Ms Reid (right) and Ms McCollum to make a more complete confession – with information on the people who supplied them with the narcotics.

Prosecutors say the duo could face a six-month investigation if their guilty pleas are not accepted.

The women appeared before a judge in a closed hearing in Lima last Tuesday.

Melissa’s aunt, Bernadette Gormal, has set up a Facebook page to allow people to show their backing and it has received more than 3,450 ‘likes’.

A support night was held recently at Kirkintilloch Miners’ Welfare, attended by Melissa’s family.

So far more than £500 has been raised for the fighting fund.

The family’s page on www.youcaring.com says: “To get Melissa home is going to be a lengthy and costly process.

“Many people have expressed a wish to help the Reid family.

“We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support, some of which come from friends and family, but others are from strangers.

“We would just like to thank you all for your support and donations for our fight to get Melissa out of Peru and back home to Scotland.”

Melissa’s aunt Bernadette Gormal organised the recent support event and said on Facebook: “Thank you to everyone who came along to make it such a successful night.”

Bernadette revealed there had been a strong turn-out for the event, which also featured a raffle.

She added: “What an amazing night. The support shown to my family was magnificent.”

Bernadette has organised a letter-writing campaign in support of Melissa.

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