The Dublin-based mother of a pregnant British woman who faces death by firing squad if convicted of smuggling drugs in Laos has made an emotional appeal for her daughter's release.

Jane Orobator, who is originally from Nigeria but is a student at Trinity College, said she has no idea how her daughter Samantha came to have been allegedly found in possession of heroin at Wattay Airport.

It is reported that the trial of 20-year-old has been delayed.

The trial was due to start today after she was arrested in August last year, allegedly carrying 680g of heroin.

In Laos, smuggling than 500g of heroin carries a mandatory death sentence.

A human rights lawyer from London has arrived in Laos to represent Ms Orobator, who is believed not to have had any legal representation to date.

It is believed she became pregnant after being raped while in detention.

Ms Orobator's mother, Jane Orobator, said her daughter's situation frightened her.

Speaking at her home in Castleknock, she said the case was totally out of character for her daughter.

