Ananova:

A British woman accused of smuggling heroin in Laos will not face the death penalty if convicted because the country's law bans executing pregnant prisoners.

The trial of Samantha Orobator, 20, from south London, will not be held until next week so that an "appropriate lawyer" can be found to defend her, said Khenthong Nuanthasing of the Lao Foreign Ministry.

Orobator was arrested in August last year and charged with trying to smuggle 1.5lbs of heroin in her luggage - anyone caught with more than 1.1lbs normally faces a mandatory death penalty.

The Foreign Office said the vice-consul from Bangkok had been allowed into Phonthong prison to speak to Orobator who is expected to face trial this week.

But lawyer Anna Morris, who has flown to the south-east Asian country on behalf of the legal rights charity Reprieve, said she was refused access although she had arranged to meet the Briton.

A statement from Reprieve said no explanation had been given by the Lao authorities as to why the meeting was cancelled.

Ms Morris said: "I am deeply frustrated by the lack of access to this vulnerable young woman. This is preventing Reprieve from obtaining first hand knowledge of her welfare and how she is being treated in prison.

"I also do not have any news of a trial date, despite being told at incredibly short notice that it will take place this week. We urge the Lao Authorities allow us access to speak to Samantha as promised, to appoint her a Laotian lawyer and to conduct a fair and open trial process."

A Foreign Office spokesman said he was not able to comment on Orobator's condition but said: "We are paying very close attention to her welfare."

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell is due to raise the case with the Laotian deputy prime minister when they meet in the UK on Thursday.