Families of Australian women killed by 'poisonous shots' in Laos hit out at expected sentences

The families of two Australian women who died after drinking cocktails at a Laos hostel have said the expected charges in the case are "unacceptable".

Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six people who died from methanol poisoning in November 2024.

The others were British woman Simone White, 28, two Danish women and an American man.

Ms Jones's parents said they had been told authorities were about to charge those responsible with crimes that only carry a sentence of up to a year in prison and a fine of about AUS$1,600 (£830).

"It's like their lives didn't even matter," said Bianca's mother, Michelle.

"We're just really appalled by it all. They were just going over to have a bit of fun and just doing the rite of passage that every child or teenager does. So for that outcome, it was just devastating."

Mark Jones, Bianca's father, called the sentences "unacceptable".

Speaking alongside him in Melbourne, Shaun Bowles, the father of Holly Morton-Bowles, said the expected sentences were "mind-boggling".

The family of Ms White, who was a lawyer from Orpington in Kent, have so far not commented.

The six who died are said to have drunk "free shots" in the same bar in Vang Vieng - a popular resort with backpackers.

Methanol can be used in disreputable bars to cut costs or it may occur accidentally when making homebrewed recipes - a common practice in southeast Asia.

It's very similar to ethanol - the pure form of alcohol in alcoholic drinks - but can be deadly due to the way the body processes it.

Methanol poisoning can also be hard to diagnose as the symptoms are initially similar to the usual effects of drinking too much, such as vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and abdominal pain.

Vision problems and breathlessness can also occur between 12 and 48 hours after consumption. Rapid medical care is vital.

Read more:
How to spot methanol poisoning symptoms and how to avoid it when travelling

Australia has summoned the Laos ambassador and foreign minister Penny Wong said an official had also been sent to the country to "reinforce our expectations for an investigation that delivers justice for Holly, Bianca and the other victims".

Ms Wong said the government had "consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy".

It is currently unclear who the Laos government intends to charge over the case.

The Laos Embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Sky News.

(c) Sky News 2026: Families of Australian women killed by 'poisonous shots' in Laos hit out at expected sentences