Derry woman, 21, admits drugs charge linked to schoolgirl's death
Before she entered the dock, the defendant began sobbing
A 21-year old woman sobbed in court today (Thursday) where she admitted a drugs charge linked to the death of a schoolgirl.
Caithlin McLaughlin (16) collapsed at the Belsonic music festival in Belfast in June 2023.
An inquest held into the Derry girl's death concluded she died after taking a combination of drugs.
A 21-year woman from Derry, who can't be named due to a reporting restriction, appeared at Belfast Crown Court.
Before she entered the dock, the defendant began sobbing.
This continued as she was arraigned on a single charge of supplying a Class A drug, namely MDMA, on June 24, 2023.
When asked by a court clerk "do you plead guilty or not guilty to the charge", she replied "guilty."
Her barrister told Judge Gordon Kerr KC that the defendant was pleading guilty to the charge, however, the Crown fact that the supply of MDMA was a significant factor in the case of the deceased's death was still in dispute.
If found to be proven, counsel stated, this would be considered a significant aggravating feature in the case.
A pre-sentence report was ordered for six weeks time and the defence barrister advised the court that he would try and resolve the issue in the interim period.
If it could not be resolved, as highlighted by Judge Kerr, a Newton hearing may be potentially required on that net issue.
Judge Kerr set the date for the plea and sentence as November 28 and the defendant was released on continuing bail.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here