THE BYRON Bay community has rallied behind Sara Connor, popular Byron woman accused of involvement in the recent death of a Balinese policeman.
In a statement, the family of Connor said their thoughts and love are with their daughter, adding that the Byron Bay community was “heartbroken” over reports she had been named a suspect.
“Our thoughts, hearts and love go out to Sara as she deals with this thoroughly tragic incident.”
The statement said the community “to whom she has given so much” is offering all it can in return.
“We will do all we can to help her through this very difficult time.”
Popular Facebook page, The Byron Bay News, has called for locals to show respect for Sara and her family, urging Bayites not to comment if approached by the media.
“There are most definitely times when it is best not to speak with the media, even if you genuinely know someone.
“In the case of what is happening with Byron Bay woman, Sara Connor, who is being detained in Bali over the murder of a police officer, the world’s media spotlight is also focused on Byron, with them trying to learn anything they can about Sara.
“Please have some respect and if you are approached by the media, decline to comment.
“The way the system works in Bali, potentially anything said by anyone here in Byron could be used against her if she is found to be involved in the death of this man.
“The very last thing she needs to be seen as, is someone who loves to party, as one local person has stated to the media in a News Ltd article published on Saturday 20.
Sara, founder of Byron Bay Fresh Pasta and mother of two, and Briton David Taylor have been charged with murder, assault causing death and group assault after being questioned on Saturday.
Taylor’s lawyer Haposan Sihombing said his client told police that Mr Sudarsa had held Connor down in the sand and that she had screamed, attracting passersby who came to her aid.
He said the pair denied killing Mr Sudarsa.
“Don’t talk to the media” is probably the most damaging and dangerous advice possible in this case.
Firstly, you can’t tell people who they can, or can’t, talk to.
And secondly, this woman is going to need all the publicity she can get if she is to garner any support from the wider Australian community.
Believe it or not my dear deluded neighbours, the Balinese police don’t read the Byron News, or even The Echo, but even if they did “discover” Ms Connor was a party girl, it would come as no surprise.
She has already told the investigating cops she was so drunk, she can’t remember what happened on the night of the killing, and her soap-deprived boyfriend has told how the dead copper was spying on them while they were bonking on the beach.
These two are obviously in a lot of trouble, and instead of censoring any possible publicity, the “family” would be much better off trying to raise some real money for their defence.