DRUG SENTENCE WOMAN TO BE DEPORTED BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA

ARRANGEMENTS are being put in place for the deportation of a South African
woman who is serving a prison sentence in Ireland for illegally importing of
pounds 40,000 worth of cannabis grass.

Lucia Matai, 36, from Soweta, South Africa, was sentenced to four years in
prison at Cork Circuit Criminal Court last year after she was caught with
the drugs on May 31.

The case was back in the same court yesterday for a review of sentence by
Judge Patrick J. Moran.

Detective Superintendent Tony Quilter said serving time in Irish prisons was
often more difficult for foreign nationals, and adding that Matai had a
particularly bad time because a child of hers died in South Africa in the
past few months.

Matai was caught at Cork Airport on May 31 when she arrived on a flight from
Amsterdam. The drugs were hidden among African foods which were being
legitimately imported.

"She came from an impoverished background and her motivation was financial.
She has behaved very well in prison. She is a very courteous person," Det.
Supt. Quilter said.

Tom Creed SC said the accused was keen to return to South Africa.
Prosecution barrister, Sean O'Dunabhain, said there was no State objection.

Judge Moran said he did not want a situation where the defendant was
released from prison only to be put out on the streets without the means to
make her way to South Africa. He said he was prepared to suspend the balance
of the sentence and recommend deportation.

Currently in prison in Mountjoy in Dublin, Matai was further remanded in
custody until February 20 to sort out the logistics involved in her
deportation.