FAI to Investigate Baby's Drug-Related Death
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will examine the drug-related death of a baby in Aberdeenshire, described during a hearing as a "tragic" case.
Olly-James Sievewright, a three-month-old from Sandhaven near Fraserburgh, died in hospital in December 2019 due to ingestion of ecstasy combined with the effects of an infection.
His mother, Amy Beck, was sentenced to seven years in prison for exposing him to drugs and other related charges. This sentence was later reduced to four years following an appeal.
The dates for the inquiry have yet to be scheduled. A continued preliminary hearing will take place later this year to review the progress of preparations.
FAIs serve to establish facts surrounding incidents rather than assigning blame.
It was announced in January that the FAI will investigate the circumstances of Olly-James' death and evaluate the adequacy of care provided by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council's social work department.
On Thursday, an initial preliminary hearing was conducted at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
Lynsey Rodger, representing the Crown, stated that an independent social worker report is currently being prepared.
Elaine Smith, representing the health board, characterized the case as
"a tragic case".
Sheriff Alan Sinclair scheduled a further hearing for June.
Polluted by Drugs
Amy Beck, from Fraserburgh, was found guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen of exposing Olly-James to illicit substances between September 2019 and the time of his death three months later.
She was also convicted of involvement in the supply of the Class B drug mephedrone over a period of nearly three years, along with additional charges related to exposing children to drugs.
During the trial, it was revealed that her former home in Sandhaven was "polluted" by drugs.
Her sentence was subsequently reduced at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh after judges deemed the original sentence to be
"excessive".
