Macquarie University academic Anthony Lambert explained the essence of Australia's troubled fascination with the case and with the island of Bali and Indonesia overall: Schapelle occupies the place of the mythical Australian beach girl ,,, now trapped in a 'strange' land, in non-white hands, and at the mercy of foreign systems and institutions.

“Some girl had made a fool of him,” said Connie with great contempt. “The Dutch set him a honey trap, my dear, and he barged in with his eyes wide shut.”

I heard him speak, and he had a goodish accent, as of a clerk or shopwalker.

I still hear you sayin', Dear one, hold me fast