Rebecca Turner and Shanti Edwards, the two British backpackers at the center of an insurance scandal in Brazil, have pleaded guilty during their hearing in Rio de Janeiro.

The two women, both law students at Sussex University, could face months of community service as penance for their crimes. A 17-month custodial sentence was handed down by a court in Rio De Janeiro, although this was reduced almost immediately to a £4,000 fine and community service, to be carried out in Brazil. Whilst the lawyers have appealed the decision in hopes of the serving the sentence at home in the UK, the two women may end up sweeping streets in Rio’s notorious slums, or Favelas.

Court officials advised: “They could have to sweep the streets; they could have to read to children in an orphanage, they could have to teach English.” They added that, despite the some 800 favelas being occasional no-go areas for local police, the women would be working closely with the residential authorities to ensure their safety.

The two were convicted of trying to defraud their insurers whilst on holiday after falsely misleading police with claims that around £1,000 worth of equipment, including a camera and mobile phone, had been taken during a robbery. They had hoped the payout from their insurer would fund the remainder of their travels.

Most of the items were later discovered hidden under the bed at their guesthouse. They face at least 2 months community service to be decided at a later date, although this may be spread over a period of several months.

With thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above information. For more details please refer to their website.