Man jailed after supplying drugs to teenager who died

A man has been jailed for four years after supplying cocaine to a 16-year-old boy - who sadly died after taking the drugs.

On the first day of his trial at Salisbury Crown Court, Willett pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs before the jury was sworn in.

The court heard how in March 2023, 21-year-old James Willett, from Dines Meadow, Andover, supplied three grams of cocaine to the teenager, Daniel, whom the family have agreed can be named. 

Tragically, Daniel died following complications prompted by cocaine toxicity, according to a medical report.

Text messages from Willett were found on Daniel’s phone following a coronal investigation into the circumstances of his death, which led to Willett being arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

At his sentencing, on Wednesday (05th November), Willett was given 48 months' custody, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228, forfeiture of £215 to be paid to charity and have his phones and drugs seized and destroyed.

Candida Jackson, a Local Crime Investigator at the time, said, “This is a tragic case where greed outweighed morality, resulting in Daniel’s death. 

“I hope this sentence sends the message that supplying drugs to any person, let alone a young person, is dealt with robustly. 

“I hope that Daniel’s family can now obtain some closure and start their grieving process.”

Officer in Charge of the case, Detective Constable Martyn Powell, said: “When dealers supply illegal drugs to another person, they know that they are putting the health of that person at risk. 

“It may not have been Mr Willett’s intent for the drugs he supplied to kill anyone, but nevertheless he knew that this could have happened.

“I praise Daniel’s family for the patience that they have shown in waiting for justice to be served.”

Daniel’s family made a short statement, "The loss of Daniel has affected us in so many ways. 

"The wave of emptiness after his death was immense, it felt like everything had come to an unbelievable end. 

"Even in the past days, weeks, months, and years we have felt so shallow, broken, and lonely. I fear that these feelings will never disappear. 

"I am glad that this ordeal through court is now over and that he has finally accepted his part in our son's death. 

“Our family can now have some closure and begin to grieve. 

"I would urge parents, other family members, and friends to protect your loved ones from those who seek to harm or exploit them, by assisting the police and to report your concerns to Crimestoppers anonymously.”