A MONMOUTH woman who has been stuck in a Portuguese prison since April could be released next month.

25-year-old Sophie Grey from Llangovan was apparently arrested following an altercation between her boyfriend, who is also being held in prison, and a police officer.

Accused of assaulting a police officer, she has been stuck in the prison near Lisbon ever since, and was refused bail on account of her not having a permanent address in the country.

According to her father Roger Grey, Miss Grey is “coping extremely well” considering the circumstances.

“She has been held in prison for something that would be a fine in this country,” he said.

“She’s in a cell with three other people, none of whom speak any English, but it’s not as if she’s locked in her cell all the time, and there are a few other people who speak English.”

Sophie is also taking Portuguese lessons while in prison.

Speaking to the Beacon, Mr Grey explained how his daughter will likely be released following the trial which is set for 22nd September, regardless of the outcome.

“Her solicitor is asking for acquittal, but even if she is convicted we’re told it’s likely she will be released anyway because she’ll have served five-and-a-half months already,” Mr Grey added.

The trial will go into the start of October, with witnesses, including Miss Grey’s father, to be called on 2nd October.

“I’m flying out, and so is one of her friends from Bristol, to be giving evidence, and providing a character witness.

“In Portugal the trials don’t necessarily follow, so could be quite stretched out. I have asked if the witnesses can be called on one day, rather than having to be there for days at a time.”

“The charge sheet says a maximum of five years, but that’s like in this country where they say you can be charged £1,000 for speeding, it never happens.”

Miss Grey’s case has also been followed by Monmouth MP David Davies, who has spoken with foreign secretary Boris Johnson and the Portuguese ambassador.