Australian Michael Sacatides has reacted with shock after being hit with a heavier jail term than expected

20:46 Australian Michael Sacatides has reacted with shock after being hit with a heavier jail term than expected 0 Comments

Australian Michael Sacatides has reacted with shock after being hit with a heavier jail term than expected, with judges sentencing him to 18 years for smuggling almost two kilograms of methamphetamine into Bali.

The kickboxing trainer from Sydney's west, found carrying 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in his suitcase when he arrived on a flight from Thailand last year, was convicted of drug trafficking in the Denpasar District Court today.

However, before Monday's appearance, Sacatides had been expecting a sentence of no more than 16 years, as requested by prosecutors earlier this month after they decided not to ask for the death penalty.

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The 43-year-old, who has always maintained his innocence, claiming he borrowed the suitcase from an associate in Thailand, appeared stunned when the judges read out their decision and instead announced a sentence of 18 years.

Crucially, it appears it was his decision to not plead guilty that weighed heavily against him, and cost him another two years in Bali's Kerobokan Prison. Defendants who do not admit guilt are often treated more harshly by courts in Indonesia.

Chief judge Sigit Sutanto said it was a key factor in the sentence decision.

"The defendant did not admit his guilt and the defendant did not admit to possession of (drugs)," he said when announcing the sentence.

Sigit said Sacatides, who kept his head bowed as he was led away, had undermined efforts by the Indonesian government to combat drug use, but added that the sentence "is not revenge".

"This sentence is to help the defendant become a much better (person)," he said.

Sacatides' lawyer, Erwin Siregar, said it was likely his client would appeal the decision.

"I am shocked," Mr Sireger said outside the court.

"I was predicting that he could be free or at least get less than what the prosecutor has asked."

Sacatides was arrested at Bali's international airport on October 1 last year when customs officers found the methamphetamine, also known as ice, concealed in a hidden compartment in the suitcase he was carrying when he arrived on a flight from Bangkok.

He told investigators at the time of his arrest that he had borrowed the luggage from a man known as Akaleshi Tripathi, whom he knew from Bangkok, where he had been living and working for almost two years.

Tripathi, alias Peter, has never been found.

Sacatides will now join a host of other Australians serving time in Kerobokan Prison for drug smuggling, including the Bali Nine, three of whom are facing death penalties, as well as the Gold Coast's Schapelle Corby