London - The families of two British nurses tried in Saudi Arabia for the murder of a colleague last night confirmed that $1.2 million (about £735,000) has been deposited in a special fund as part of a "blood money" deal.
A spokesman for the families of Deborah Parry and Lucille McLauchlan told PA News that the British lawyers and families "were aware" that the money had been sent to a special trust fund in Australia.
"We are aware that the money has been deposited but we do not wish to make any comment at the moment because diplomacy continues at the very highest levels," he said. "The families are quietly optimistic of a satisfactory outcome eventually and have great confidence in the Foreign Office negotiators."
Parry (38) of Alton in Hampshire, is awaiting sentence from the Islamic sharia court, which last week found Lucille McLauchlan (31) guilty of playing a part in the murder of Australian nurse Yvonne Gilford.
