Briton accused of smuggling prescription drugs into Egypt stuck in cell for longer before case heard

Laura Plummer, the British woman accused of smuggling prescription drugs into Egypt, could spend additional time in custody before her case is heard.

The 33-year-old from Hull was set to stand trial on Christmas Day after being arrested with 300 Tramadol pills in October. Plummer claimed she brought the pills to Egypt, where the medicine is banned as it is used as a heroin substitute, to help her boyfriend with his back pain.

The shop assistant is being held in a prison cell with up to 25 other women, the Mirror reported.

Plummer's case could be adjourned for another month before it is heard, legal sources in Egypt told Plummer's family. The Hull Daily Mail reported she is unlikely to be handed the deal penalty but she has been told she could face a seven-year sentence if found guilty.

"We had hoped that Laura would be released on Christmas Day by the judge, but her lawyers in Egypt say there is now a chance the case will be adjourned for another month," Plummer's sister Jayne Sinclair said.

"It is very disappointing but that is how the legal system works over there and we have to respect that. Laura is doing OK but she has lost some weight and is very pale," Sinclair continued. "She is being treated very well while in prison but of course we just want her home as soon as possible.

"This has gone on too long."

According to the Mirror, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson discussed Plummer's case with Egypt's prime minister. She is reportedly receiving regular visits from her family and her boyfriend.

After being told by a judge that she must stand trial, her family told MailOnline they were devastated and worried she would not last in jail.

"We have just been told the news and we are distraught. I know Laura will be distraught," her father, Neville, said. "Laura is not a strong person and I don't know how much more she can take."