Real Life

Schapelle’s travel buddy talks: ‘I’ve kept quiet too long’

Schapelle's travel buddy Katrina

Schapelle's travel buddy Katrina

After nine long years of silence, Katrina Richards recounts that fateful flight to Bali in her very first interview. Woman’s Day’s JAMES GRAHAM reports.

After nine long years of silence, Katrina Richards recounts that fateful flight to Bali in her very first interview. Woman’s Day’s JAMES GRAHAM reports.

Katrina Richards’ terrifying airport ordeal in Bali with Schapelle Corby in 2004 still feels as if it were yesterday.

It’s only now, as she replays the chaotic TV scenes of her veiled friend walking free from prison, she can finally start to put the nightmare behind her.

A wide-eyed Katrina, then 17, was at Denpasar with Schapelle’s half-brother James Kisina and friend Ally McComb the moment Schapelle was arrested for smuggling 4.2kg of marijuana.

Although remaining fiercely loyal to Schapelle and her family – an “Always have faith” tattoo on her ankle testament to her allegiance – this is the first time she’s spoken about the story that’s polarising Australia. “It could’ve been me; it could’ve been any of us – none of our bags were locked,” confesses Katrina, now 27, who joined Schapelle’s mum Rosleigh Rose and James to watch the convicted drug smuggler’s dramatic release on TV last week.

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