In what is the only sensible outcome to this tale of larrikinism gone too far, the nine Aussies detained in Malaysia for donning budgie smugglers bearing the Malaysian flag are free to go.
They escaped conviction on the grounds that they were remorseful and ignorant of the country’s laws.
Somewhat amusingly, the blokes – Nicholas Kelly, Tom Whitworth, Tom Laslett, Brandon Stobbs, Timothy Yates, Jack Walker, Edward Leaney, Adam Pasfield and James Paver – appeared in court today fully clothed but handcuffed to one another, forming a chain of nine humans shuffling into court.
“The incident was purely an error of judgement on our behalf and a folly,” one of the men read in a letter to the court. “After the incident we’ve learnt of the fondness and respect Malaysia has for their national flag. We apologise and express our deepest regret for our actions.”
The court heard that since they’re all part time life savers, stripping down to their budgie smugglers is second nature.
Er…. the court also heard this.
Court hears “I now tender the nine swimming trunks.” @BudgySmuggler @9NewsAUS
— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016
Legal fun!
Whitworth fainted in court after after the apology was read out, but quickly recovered.
#BREAKING Thomas Whitworth collapses in the dock. Bringing down his handcuffed partner with him. His friends surround him. @9NewsAUS
— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016
Whitworth now propped up and sipping water after fainting in the dock. @9NewsAUS
— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016
Anyhoo, the blokes were let out of court handcuff-free, and are hopefully on the way home to the inevitable 60 Minutes / The Project interview.
**BREAKING** ‘Budgie Nine’ cautioned in court. Released by the judge. No fine. https://t.co/dU75rg1xD4 #BudgieNine #7News pic.twitter.com/mnoN3u7Wmo
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) October 6, 2016
For the sake of Julie Bishop‘s blood pressure, let this be a lesson to all Aussies to have a working knowledge of the basic laws of a foreign country before whipping out your ‘Strayan humour.
Source: Twitter.
Photo: Getty / Rahman Roslan.
