The parents of a three-month-old baby who died after allegedly ingesting drugs are to stand trial accused of mistreating him.
Amy Mary Beck, 31, and Kieran Sievwright, 24, are accused of causing Olly-James Sievwright – listed as their son – “unnecessary suffering” at a property in Fraserburgh.
The charge claims the duo did “cause or permit” controlled drugs – and individuals who were using the substances – to be close to Olly-James.
As a result, it is alleged the child was exposed to Mephedrone and MDMA.
Prosecutors claim Olly-James “ingested” Mephedrone, also known as M-CAT.
The drug has been described by charities as a “powerful stimulant that’s often compared to drugs like cocaine and ecstasy”.
Also accused of supplying drug to man, who has died
Combined with the effects of peritonitis – a stomach infection – the indictment states this resulted in the death of Olly-James on December 22 2019.
The charge – under the Children and Young Persons Act – spans from September 17 2019 – when the boy was born – until the date he passed away.
Beck and Sievwright face further accusations of exposing two other children to drugs, including one who also ingested Mephedrone.
The pair are also accused of being concerned in the supply of Mephedrone at another address in Fraserburgh, including to a man who has since died.
Beck alone is finally charged with possession of cocaine in Peterhead.
The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.
Parents both deny charges
Beck’s lawyer David Moggach said: “She pleads not guilty to the five charges on the indictment.
“Put shortly, we are ready for trial.”
Drew McKenzie, defending Sievwright, said he was also denying the accusations he faces.
Prosecutor Alan Cameron told the hearing he was content for a trial to be fixed adding it “makes sense” to have it in Aberdeen due to witnesses being based in the north-east.
Lord Richardson set a trial due to begin in February 2024. The case could last around 10 days.
Beck and Sievwright – listed on court papers of separate addresses in Fraserburgh – remain on bail meantime.
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