Disappointment for Northallerton Mum hoping for drug law change
The Government says it won't make it a specific offence to sell drugs to children
Last updated 22nd Apr 2022
A Northallerton Mum who has been campaigning to make it a specific offence to sell drugs to children has been told the law is not going to change.
Kerry Roberts has been calling for tougher punishments for those caught selling to under 16s.
It's after her 15-year-old daughter Leah died after taking ecstasy given to her by two youths.
But the Government's responded to her petition saying although it takes drug use very seriously there is already a law in place which covers the crime.
It says "Protecting children from harm is a priority for government. However as existing offences already apply for drug supply, we have no plans to make it a specific offence to supply a child with drugs.
The death of Ms Roberts’ daughter, Leah, is a tragedy. We can assure you that this Government takes drug misuse very seriously. Drugs can devastate lives, ruin families and damage communities. This Government’s approach to them remains clear - we must prevent drug misuse in our communities and support people through treatment and recovery."