A dance instructor from Liverpool has been held in Taiwan following the alleged discovery of an item in his luggage. Lewis Potter, 25, had only just arrived in the country when he was apprehended by officials and placed in detention last month, leaving his distraught family frantically seeking information.
Family heartbroken over detention
His mother Erin Potter, from Fife, said: "As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives. For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn't know what had happened.
"The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this."
Unaware of what he was transporting
She explained that Lewis, a former Liverpool Theatre School pupil and instructor at LP Creative, insists he was unaware of what he was transporting when he arrived in Taiwan in June. She said: "He and a friend had originally planned to travel to Taiwan together, but shortly before the trip, the friend pulled out and asked Lewis to take his suitcase for him instead.
"Lewis says this was someone he trusted, and he had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the suitcase. His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation as the legal process continues."
After weeks of desperately searching for answers, the family was finally able to appoint a lawyer in Taiwan who has met with Lewis. Until then, no one had been able to speak to Lewis, hear from him or visit him not even the British Embassy. We had no choice but to pay for a lawyer to go and see him, and everything we know about Lewis and his situation has come through that meeting.
Crowdfunding appeal launched
The family has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to cover the legal costs needed to support Lewis while he remains under investigation in Taiwan. Erin explained that legal representation is anticipated to cost approximately £12,000, with roughly £6,000 needed throughout the investigation phase and an additional £6,000 should the matter progress to court. Additional costs include translation services, communication expenses, provisions for Lewis during his detention, and potential flights to Taiwan if necessary.
She said: "Every penny raised will go directly towards supporting Lewis and giving him the strongest legal representation possible during this incredibly difficult time."
If you are able to donate, no matter how small, our family will be forever grateful. If you aren't in a position to donate, simply sharing Lewis' story would mean the world to us and could help us reach someone who can.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any kindness, support or prayers you can offer our family during this incredibly difficult time.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national detained in Taiwan and are in contact with the local authorities."
Erin's crowdfunding page, titled "Supporting My Son Lewis Potter", has so far raised in excess of £1,200.
