Yorkshire DJ jailed over Bali policeman's death

A YORKSHIRE man charged with attacking a traffic police officer and causing his death on the Indonesian island of Bali has been jailed for six years and his Australian girlfriend for four years.
David Taylor arrives for his verdict trial in Bali, IndonesiaDavid Taylor arrives for his verdict trial in Bali, Indonesia
David Taylor arrives for his verdict trial in Bali, Indonesia

David Taylor, a dreadlocked DJ reported to be from Halifax, adopted a more sober appearance for the trial. He said he accepted the judge’s decision.

During the trial, his girlfriend, Sara Connor, who faced the same charge, said she was not an active participant in the attack.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the judges found that her role prevented the officer, Wayan Sudarsa, from defending himself.

David Taylor, right, in a holding cell talks to his family before his verdict trial in BaliDavid Taylor, right, in a holding cell talks to his family before his verdict trial in Bali
David Taylor, right, in a holding cell talks to his family before his verdict trial in Bali

Prosecutors sought eight-year prison terms for Connor and Taylor, who were arrested last August over the death of Mr Sudarsa, whose bloodied body was found on the beach outside the Pullman Hotel in the popular tourist area of Kuta.

They were charged with committing violence leading to death, which carries a maximum 12-year prison term under Indonesian law.

Taylor, 34, who promoted himself as DJ Nutzo, admitted hitting the Indonesian man repeatedly with a mobile phone, binoculars and a broken beer bottle, leaving him face down and unconscious.

But he said he did not realise Mr Sudarsa would die.

Sara Connor sits in a court room during her verdict trial in BaliSara Connor sits in a court room during her verdict trial in Bali
Sara Connor sits in a court room during her verdict trial in Bali
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Connor, 46, and Taylor were drinking beer on the beach in the hours before the late-night incident.

Taylor said he got into a fight with Mr Sudarsa, who was on duty, after Connor realised she had lost her handbag and accused Mr Sudarsa of being a fake police officer and stealing it.

Bali, famous for its Hindu culture, lush interior and white sand beaches, is Indonesia’s highest-profile tourist island and a particular magnet for holidaymakers from Australia.