Perth grandmother Donna Nelson returns home after harrowing ordeal in Japan

A 60-year-old Perth grandmother, Donna Nelson, has returned to Western Australia after being convicted of attempting to smuggle drugs into Japan. Nelson was arrested in January 2023 at Narita International Airport and charged with trying to import almost 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Nelson was found guilty in 2024 of attempting to smuggle drugs into Japan. She was duped by a love scammer who paid for her trip and tricked her into carrying a bag filled with the illicit substance. The drugs were found in the lining of her bag, and in December 2024 she was sentenced to six years in prison.

In October last year, Nelson abandoned her final avenue for appeal and shifted focus towards securing a prison transfer deal with Japanese authorities. Human rights academic Hannah McGlade said Nelson's family had been leading a campaign to bring her home.

"They've done a remarkable job because she is now home after two failed court cases in Japan and several years now of incarceration," Dr McGlade said.

Nelson has been in custody in Japan since her arrest more than three years ago. Dr McGlade said Nelson's family had been separated for more than three years, nearly four years, and she had lived in very harsh conditions in a Japanese prison.

"It's been a horrendous experience, no doubt, for Donna and her family," Dr McGlade said.

Dr McGlade also highlighted the broader issue of women being exploited by love scammers.

"Across the globe, it is the women who are suffering the punishment of being victimised in this way and often incarcerated as Donna was," she said. "I really hope there is leniency that can be shown to her now."