A psychiatrist has told a court in Indonesia that a New Zealand man's intellectual impairment and mental illness made him particularly vulnerable to manipulation by a drug syndicate that preyed on lonely hearts.
Antony de Malmanche (left) and lawyer Craig Tuck in Bali in December 2014. Photo: Supplied
Antony de Malmanche could face the death penalty for smuggling methamphetamine into Bali in December.
He said he travelled to Bali believing he would meet his online love, and had no idea the drugs were in his backpack.
A New Zealand-based psychologist, Rupert Bird, told his trial overnight Mr de Malmanche suffered dependent personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and chronic depression.
Dr Bird said Mr de Malmanche was particularly susceptible to persuasion.