Thai death sentence for Briton

Wilcox and Flannaghan are receiving consular assistance

A Briton has been sentenced to death and another to 33 years in prison in Thailand over drugs charges.

Anthony Flannaghan, 33, of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was convicted of possession of drugs with intent to sell and given the death penalty.

Stephen Wilcox, 39, of Blaby, Leicester, had his life term for possession reduced after a guilty plea.

Flannaghan had denied the charges, involving heroin, ecstasy, and amphetamine, and is planning to appeal.

During a raid at Wilcox' home on the island of Koh Samui, police found 1.2 ounces of heroin, one ounce of marijuana, 14 ecstasy tablets and 11 tablets of methamphetamines.

Flannaghan was arrested in Bangkok - he had been paid £350 by Wilcox to travel to the capital from Koh Samui with 2.9 pounds of heroin hidden in his luggage.

It is understood that Wilcox has lived in Thailand for two years and has a pregnant wife in the country.

Reasonable health

Both men, appearing in brown and orange prison uniform, had their ankles shackled and were handcuffed as they appeared in court.

It is believed both men have 30 days to appeal.

A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office said the Thai government would be aware that the British government opposes the death penalty, and indicated that a representation would be made to them at some point in an effort to get the sentence commuted.

Both men are receiving consular assistance and are believed to be in reasonable health, the spokeswoman added.