Teen Who Survived Drugs Coma Handed Suspended Sentence

A teenager who survived a drug coma and claimed he had been given "a second chance at life" has had sentence deferred for six months and told to stay out of trouble for carrying a lethal weapon in public.

Jack Blades, 17, survived a coma ordeal after a super-strength Mortal Kombat ecstasy pill left him seriously ill.

Five months later, Airdrie Sheriff Court heard today, police investigated reports of a street fight and arrested him for carrying a fearsome makeshift club, with nails sticking out.

Disgraced Blades, of, North Calder Street, Petersburn, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, admitted carrying the weapon in public, the offence was committed on August 9, last year, in Moss Side Avenue, Airdrie.

The weapon was described in court by prosecutor Martina McGuigan as "a piece of wood with nails protruding."

The prosecutor went on: "At 1am police officers arrived on the scene and found Blades with the piece of wood."

Blades denied conducting himself in a disorderly manner, taking part in a stand up fight and committing a breach of the peace. His plea was accepted by the Crown.

Last March Blades was rushed to Monklands Hosptal in Airdrie when he collapsed after taking the tablet at a house party in Coatbridge, and lay in an induced coma in intensive care for four days. It was estimated there was about 60 people at the party.

Blades later admitted he was lucky to be alive after taking the pill, which had been linked to several deaths, including that of schoolgirl Regane MacCall. He said pals at the party saved his life by throwing him into a cold bath to reduce his temperature. A 17-year-old was also rushed to hospital after feeling ill at the party, but later released.

Blades appeared at court yesterday, accompanied by his mother, Sharon Aitken, 40, who sat in the public benches while her son stood in the dock.

Defence lawyer Luke O'Curry said: "The whole thing was captured on CCTV. It was not my client carrying the piece of wood which attracted the police rather than a dog chain being swung at him.

"He has found employment and has an apprenticeship. It has indeed been a wake up call for him."

Sheriff Frank Pieri told Blades: "It is good you have found an apprenticeship. I will defer sentence on you for six months and give you the chance to be of good behaviour."

Sentence was deferred until August 12. He was ordained to appear, his bail order being revoked.