Australia's Corby in mercy plea

Ms Corby's case has been closely followed in Australia

An Australian beauty therapist accused of smuggling marijuana into the Indonesian resort of Bali has begged a court for mercy.

In her final defence plea, 27-year-old Schapelle Corby tearfully proclaimed her innocence, saying "I cannot admit to a crime I did not commit."

Ms Corby was arrested in October after 4.1 kg (9 pounds) of marijuana was found in her bags at Bali airport.

Under Indonesia's tough anti-drug laws, convicted traffickers can be executed.

But Ms Corby's case has attracted widespread public interest in Australia, and the Canberra government has urged Indonesian prosecutors not to ask for the death penalty.

In a written statement to judges at the district court in Bali's capital, Denpasar, on Thursday, Ms Corby said she was an innocent victim of Australian drug gangs.

To judges, my life at the moment is in your hands, but I would prefer that my life was in your heart Schapelle Corby

"I say again that I have no knowledge of how the marijuana came to be inside my bag," she said.

She said she had already been punished enough for doing no more than failing to lock her bags.

"To judges, my life at the moment is in your hands, but I would prefer that my life was in your heart," she said.

Prosecutors have recommended that Ms Corby serve a life sentence, although the judges could still impose the death penalty if they convict her.

A verdict is expected by next month.