A court in Bali has jailed a British man for six years for attacking a policeman and causing his death during a fight on a popular beach.

David Taylor, 34, had admitted getting into the fatal fight with officer Wayan Sudarsa, but denied killing him.

Image: Sara Connor was jailed for four years for her part in the death of the traffic policeman

His girlfriend, Australian national Sara Connor, 46, was sentenced to four years for her part in the killing.

The mother-of-two had maintained her innocence, insisting she only intended to pull the two men apart as they fought. But the court found that her role prevented Mr Sudarsa from defending himself.

The couple - who were on holiday in Bali - were arrested last August, after the traffic policeman was found beaten to death on Kuta beach.


A fight had broken out after Taylor accused Mr Sudarsa of stealing Connor's handbag, resulting in Taylor hitting the officer with items including binoculars and a beer bottle.

Mr Sudarsa's blood-soaked body was later found on the beach with dozens of wounds on his neck, chest and head.

Image: The mother-of-two claimed she had only attempted to split up the fight

During the trial, which lasted four months, Taylor said he was acting in self-defence and was "in fear of his life".

However, the judges found that Taylor had been "legitimately and convincingly proven guilty" of the charge of group assault causing death.

The pair, who were tried separately, were not convicted of the more serious charge of murder brought against them, as prosecutors said they had not intended to kill the officer.

A murder conviction would have carried a maximum jail term of 15 years.

The couple, who were based in Australia, had fled from the scene following the fight, but were tracked down when Connor's driving licence and bank card were found next to the body.