Holly Deane-Johns Launch with Jessica Mudditt

Holly's Hell is a remarkable story of trauma and redemption.

At the age of 29, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested in Bangkok and charged with possessing heroin. She narrowly avoided the death penalty but received a 31-year prison sentence. She spent seven years in a notorious Thai women’s prison known as the ‘Bangkok Hilton’, where staying alive was a daily struggle.

She learnt Thai and formed enduring friendships with fellow inmates, but faced heartbreak and anguish when some did not survive. Holly overcame her drug addiction for good while she was in prison. She wrote her book in large part to help others overcome substance abuse issues.

After a lengthy battle to obtain a prison transfer, Holly was transferred to a Perth prison in 2007, where she remained for another five years. During this time, she obtained qualifications in youth work and counselling. After her release in 2012, Holly was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

This is the first time she has shared an in-depth account of her life with the world, and it begins with a childhood home that turned violent and dysfunctional.

Come along to gain firsthand insights from Holly about life behind bars in Thailand and Australia. Holly will explain how she found the inner strength to keep going and then ultimately turn her life around.