£95 fine for deadly Laos methanol killer drinks sparks outrage

The families of two Australian teenagers killed by methanol poisoning in Laos have blasted authorities after workers linked to the tragedy were handed fines of just £95.

Six tourists died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024. Among them were 19-year-old Melbourne friends Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles.

Now, in a move their families describe as “an absolute injustice,” ten people found guilty of destroying evidence have received suspended sentences and fines equivalent to just A$185.

“We were shocked by the absolute injustice for our girls and the others,” said Mark Jones, Bianca’s father. “A $185 fine is hardly justice.”

The hostel has since reopened under a new name.

The grieving parents say they were not informed the court case was proceeding and only learned of the outcome through other victims’ families from Denmark and the UK — not from Australian officials.

“For us not to be told they’re going ahead is abhorrent,” said Shaun Bowles, Holly’s father. “To think that those involved in killing our daughters are worth $185 is absolutely disgraceful.”

The families say there has been “silence” and “inaction” from Lao authorities, and they have also criticised the Australian government for a lack of communication.

“We expect the government to look after their people and get justice for their citizens when they go travelling,” Mr Jones said.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said she expects “full accountability” and that charges should reflect the seriousness of a tragedy that left six people dead.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is continuing to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca.

For the families, however, the sentence feels like a devastating insult.

“We’re out of options,” Mr Bowles said. “It’s pretty devastating.”

Key Takeaways

• Six tourists died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol at a Laos hostel.

• Ten people received suspended sentences and fines of just £95 for destroying evidence.

• Families say they were not informed of proceedings and are demanding stronger action from both Laos and the Australian government.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT

They're sending a very clear message here - they simply don't care at all.

Add Laos to the <deleted>list and never go there. Government warnings should be issued.

There's no deterrent preventing them from doing this kind of thing again and again.