Melbourne pair found guilty and jailed over Bali cocaine possession

Sentencing for the two Australians has been reduced to up to a year after prosecutors agreed the pair were "victims of the drug trade"

Australian David Van Iersel (C) and William Cabantog (L) are escorted by court officers for their verdict trial at Denpasar district court. Source: EPA

Two Australians have been jailed for up to a year after being found guilty of cocaine possession in Bali.

Melbourne nightclub promoters William Cabantog, 36, was sentenced to one year behind bars and David Van Iersel, 38, was jailed for nine months.

With time served, he is likely to be released in April.

David Van Iersel (2L) and William Cabantog (2R) inside the courtroom during their trial. Source: EPA

The pair had faced up to 12 years behind bars but their sentences were reduced after prosecutors agreed the pair were "victims of the drug trade" and recommended lighter sentences.

In December it was announced the pair would receive some leniency for being polite and expressing regret for their crimes.

They were arrested amid police raids on the Lost City nightclub and homes in Canggu on 19 July last year and later returned positive urine tests.

Cabantog was a Melbourne nightclub promoter before relocating to Bali in the past year. His Instagram account shows him dining and swimming with friends in Indonesia prior to his arrest.

David Van Iersel covers his face and cries as he's led into court. Source: EPA

"So blessed to live in paradise and to have my friends to experience this beautiful island together," he posted just prior to his arrest.