Legal system accused of protecting alleged drug dealers

A heartbroken Derry mother said she felt compelled to speak out about the high number of anonymity orders being granted locally in drugs-related prosecutions. 

Leanne McLaughlin, whose daughter Caitlin (16) collapsed at the Belsonic music festival in Belfast in June 2023, described the anonymity orders as “an open invitation” for drug dealers to come to Derry.”

Caitlin, who had just finished her GCSEs at St Cecilia’s College. was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she died shortly after.

Speaking to The Derry News, Leanne said she would like a face-to-face meeting with District Judge Barney McElhom who said this week he would continue to grant anonymity orders to alleged drug-dealers until he was told the threat against them was lifted. 

At her inquest on July 1, coroner Anne-Louise Toal said Cáitlin’s death was as a result of going into cardiac arrest after taking ecstasy, cocaine and synthetic amphetamine. 

Ms Toal warned illegal drugs were often mixed with other substances, including rat poison, and even one ecstasy tablet could be enough to kill someone. 

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“I would just like to meet Mr McElhom to tell him in person about the devastation illegal drugs and the people who deal them have caused to my family,” said Leanne.

“There have been days I have been so low I just want to die, that is how I have been left as a parent. It is not fair.

“I cannot put into words how Caitlin’s death has affected me. I am a prisoner in my own mind. Trapped and consumed by this nightmare. I can do nothing to bring her back. I am helpless and feel so alone and abandoned. 

“I am at the stage in my grief where I am consumed by anger at the loss of my beautiful Caitlin, who was robbed of the life she should have had,” said Leanne.

Mr Elhom’s comments followed revelations more drug-case anonymity orders were granted in Derry in the last five years than in the rest of the North. 

Figures showed almost 90% of the 374 anonymity orders in drugs-related prosecutions were granted in the city.

“As a result of these anonymity orders there is a perception Derry has become the go-to place for drug dealers, that they can walk around freely, deal drugs and kill people,” added Leanne.

“Why does the legal system appear to be protecting drug dealers but letting our children die, literally on the streets?  

“There were 12 paramilitary attacks in Northern Ireland last year linked to drugs, and only three of those took place in Derry, so why is the number of anonymity orders granted here so high?

“The identity of drug dealers needs to be known so our teenagers can be protected,” said Leanne. 

According to Leanne, following Caitlin’s death she had received no support from the PSNI in the form of a family liaison officer or from Victim Support NI.

She also revealed she had recently become aware of the fact the PSNI had recorded Caitlin as having no next of kin in her file. 

This omission meant the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had not assigned leanne a support worker from its Victim and Witness Care Unit - a single point of contact who could keep her informed about the progress of the court case. 

When contacted by The Derry News, a spokesperson for Victim Support NI said the organisation did not comment on individual cases. 

She added: “We support victims of all crime types, in accordance with the Victim Charter, whether or not the crime has been reported to police. 

“Victims can also self-refer for support and if the victim's mother would like to avail of our services we would ask her to call our Foyle Hub on 02871 370086 so that we may offer her support to help her through this difficult time.”

A PPS spokeswoman said:  “It is normal process for police to identify relevant next of kin to the PPS when reporting a suspect for consideration, at which point contact via the Victim and Witness Care Unit can begin.

“In this case, no next of kin was identified on the file. 

“On enquiry, police indicated that the victim’s mother would be formally added as next of kin on the file.

“In light of the concerns about communication raised by the victim’s mother, a senior prosecutor has made contact directly to answer any questions she may have around the case.”

The PPS spokeswoman added it was awaiting the submission of a full investigation file from the PSNI in relation to this matter. 

“No decisions as to prosecution can be taken by the PPS until receipt of the full file and the defendant remains on police charges.

"A police file was submitted to the PPS in September 2024, however it is not categorised as a full file because some essential evidence remains outstanding.

"Additional evidence was requested. Once all requested evidence has been received, the PPS will be in a position to make a prosecutorial decision."

A PSNI spokesperson said Family Liasion Officers would not normally be assigned in a drugs-related death.

The spokesperson added: “Detectives have charged a woman to court in connection with the sudden death of a teenage girl in the Belfast area on 25th June 2023.

“The 20-year-old has been charged with supplying a Class A controlled drug and was due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 10th July.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”