Schapelle helps inmates despite cruel taunts

MARTINE GRIFFITHS
23oct05

SCHAPELLE Corby and her sister Mercedes have ignored the taunts of guards and other prisoners to become Kerobokan Jail's angels of mercy.

The former beauty student shares basic supplies with other inmates, with Mercedes bringing eyedrops and underwear for prisoners in need.

Their generosity comes despite Corby, 28, suffering cruel taunts from guards and other prisoners.

During an exclusive interview with the Gold Coast woman inside the jailhouse, a guard teased: "Hey, Corby! You going home?"

Asked whether she had been harmed by anybody since her October 2004 arrest for smuggling marijuana, she said through her tears: "It's too painful to talk about."

Her older sister clarified: "She wasn't raped or anything."

And although she has lived alongside drug addicts, prostitutes and thieves for more than a year, the reality of prison life has only now hit home.

"Sounds weird, I know, but it is only sinking in now," she said.

Since learning the basics of the local language, she has overheard other prisoners making derogatory comments.

Corby says she has become less trusting, and has built an emotional wall to protect herself during her 15-year sentence.

"My biggest fear is Australians will forget about me," she said.

Unhygienic conditions inside the jail have affected Corby's skin. She is battling acne on her usually blemish-free face, from washing with shared well water, and expresses relief the women finally have running water, thanks to the Red Cross.

Corby is also feeling sluggish and is desperate for decent exercise. "I would love a skipping rope. My body wants to play sport."

She was anxious for Mercedes to tell her how their father, Michael, was managing his cancer, and was relieved to hear his condition was good. One of her greatest fears is not being able to attend her dad's funeral.

As we spoke, Bali Nine accused Renae Lawrence walked past and joked: "I'll see you at home", referring to the cells.

Fellow Bali Nine member Martin Stephens also enthusiastically greeted Corby.

It was at this point that Corby asked me: "Do you want to see the Bali bombers?"

We walked a short distance to the solitary confinement where Amrozi was detained, but our presence angered the guards and they ordered us away.

In a lighter moment, I asked her the question many Australian women were asking: How do you keep your eyebrows so immaculately groomed? "I'm in jail – what do you expect!"

She's a girl's girl. Australian model Michelle Leslie's arrival at Kerobokan clearly excited her.

Corby planned to offer the 24-year-old survival tips.

  Martine Griffiths is a Network 10 reporter.