Joshua Nair
The British woman facing jail time in the US after allegedly being found with 'two suitcases of cocaine' has spoken out.
Middlesbrough-based Kim Hall was on her way back from a holiday on the North American continent when she was stopped by security at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, where she was due to catch a connecting flight to London.
She had been in Mexico, enjoying a week-long getaway that was paid for by two British men that she'd met on holiday before.
Authorities suspected something was up on August 18, as Hall passed through with two suitcases from Cancun.
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After the random search, Homeland Security allegedly found the suitcases full to the brim with cocaine, despite her being told that there was $250,000 (£195,000) in them, something that she claimed she was unaware of.
Hall claimed that she was told by the men, who 'held a gun to my head and threatened to shoot' her, that one of them had 'lost his passport and was in trouble.'
Now, the mother has spoken out about the events, which could see her facing up to 30 years behind bars, as she cited her mental health as the reason for her erratic behaviour.
But after security officials found the drugs, she claimed that she didn't even look inside the bag, pleading her innocence.
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The beautician appeared on ITV's This Morning to speak about the case, explaining: "It just seemed really legit and straightforward.
"I was going to go on a holiday, take a break and just do them a favour by bringing back this money to give to a member of their family.
"They just said that one of them had lost their passport and they were in trouble and needed to get some money home to their family," she recalled.
Hall was also told that there was nothing to worry about, as the huge cash amount could be explained to customs officers.
She further claimed that the men 'didn't come across as being criminals', revealing that she took them up on the holiday offer as she needed a break.
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Reflecting on the trip, she recalled: "I just had a lot going on at home at the time and I just needed a bit of breathing space so it was a breath of fresh air really to go there.
"I spent the holiday alone really for the whole week, I just met them briefly at the beginning and then I spent a lot of time on my own."
Hall was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and intent to deliver it, while the amount she was transporting was over 900 grams more than the offence in the top bracket of sentencing.
Known as a Class X Felony, it carries a minimum of 15 years behind bars, or a maximum of 60.
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After appearing in court in South California this month, the Brit pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, confidently stating: “My position has not changed.
“I am innocent of these charges – I did not traffic drugs.”