A man accused of smuggling £5 million of heroin into Australia is receiving the best help available, his father said today.

One of Queensland's leading counsels has been instructed to represent Paul Burchill, 20, when he next appears in court.

His father Ian Burchill - director of planning at Castle Point Council - said he had been in touch with his son by letter.

He said: "We are advised that any visits to Paul by us are likely to be limited to one two-hour visit per week. Our legal advisers have greater access to Paul than we would have currently.

"We intend to go to Brisbane as soon as our presence will be helpful to Paul and the team who are working with us.

"In order to assist Paul, we are working as a team with other people who can provide the best assistance to him. We, of course, have written to Paul and will provide all the support we can during the period of his detention."

The Burchill family, of Sandhill Road, Eastwood, has also been in touch with a solicitor in this country to see whether any action can be taken in Britain.

Paul has had a visit from Megan Hunt of the British Consulate, and the Salvation Army, and his family has asked both parties to continue helping their son.

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