Jail for Australian on Thai lese majeste charge
![Australian writer Harry Nicolaides sits in a cell after arriving at a Bangkok court. [Reuters]](http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200901/r331584_1496054.jpg "Australian writer Harry Nicolaides sits in a cell after arriving at a Bangkok court. [Reuters]")
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Australian writer Harry Nicolaides sits in a cell after arriving at a Bangkok court. [Reuters]
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An Australian man has been sentenced to three years jail in Bangkok after pleading guilty to insulting the Thai royal family.
The 41-year-old Melbourne man wrote a book in 2005 which briefly referred to the private life of Thailand's crown prince.
Our correspondent, Karen Percy, says there were tears in Harry Nicolaides' eyes as he faced the court.
The five criminal court judges initially imposed a 6 year sentence, but it was reduced because he pleaded guilty.
Mr Nicolaides told reporters after the ruling that he wished his family the best.
He was arrested in late August when he was trying to leave the country.
In 2005 he published a novel which makes brief reference to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn - the son of King Bhumipol Adulyadej.
The lese majeste laws are fiercely upheld in Thailand where King Bhumipol is revered by his people.
Mr Nicolaides' is likely to apply for a pardon from the king.
Two years ago, a Swiss man found guilty of insulting the monarchy was pardoned and deported from the country.
Family distraught
Family members of Mr Nicolaides say they are extremely distressed by his sentence.
Forde Nicolaides says while his brother received the minimum sentence, it has been a very stressful time.
"The whole case has consumed my parents lives for the last month," he said.
"They have done nothing but think about this case, they have difficulty cooking, eating, sleeping - all the things we take for granted - and in their elderly years it has taken its toll on them."
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