Corby's family turns on 'Mad' Ron

By Greg Stolz

February 15, 2007 01:00am

SCHAPELLE Corby's former white knights "Mad Ron" Bakir and Robin Tampoe are being blamed for masterminding the latest scandal to engulf the convicted drug smuggler's family.

The furious family believe mobile phone entrepreneur Mr Bakir and lawyer Mr Tampoe may be behind damaging new drug allegations levelled by Corby's one-time close friend, Jodie Power.

Ms Power told Today Tonight on Monday that she had smoked marijuana at the Corby home and had been asked by Schapelle's sister Mercedes if she would take drugs to Bali.

Ms Power took a lie detector test for the paid story, during which photographs of Mercedes apparently smoking marijuana were also shown.

Mercedes hit back, denouncing Ms Power's claims as "all lies" and agreeing to sit a polygraph test herself.

Ms Power's estranged husband also sided with the Corbys.

The Corbys have pointed the finger of blame at Mr Bakir and Mr Tampoe, who fell out with the family over accusations the businessman and lawyer were trying to profit from her plight.

"It's got their (Bakir's and Tampoe's) fingerprints all over it," an insider said yesterday.

Mr Bakir, who bankrolled Schapelle Corby's initial legal fight, said yesterday he had been "accused of enough things" and would not comment.

Mr Tampoe said the suggestion that he was involved was "hilarious".

"If they want to pursue an allegation like that, do it, because I've had an absolute gutful," he said.

"I've copped enough s... from the family and I'm not interested in giving the story oxygen."

Eighteen months ago, after Corby was convicted of smuggling 4.1kg of marijuana into Bali in a bodyboard bag, Ms Power said that her friend was innocent and that she would "keep on fighting for justice for as long as it takes".

Schapelle Action Support Group founder Rachelle Hamilton also yesterday rubbished Ms Power's claims.

News Limited