Inquiry to examine Aberdeenshire baby's drug-related death

An inquiry is to be held into a baby's drug-related death in Aberdeenshire.

Olly-James Sievewright, from Sandhaven, near Fraserburgh, was three months old when he died in hospital in December 2019 as a result of ingesting ecstasy and the effects of an infection.

His mother Amy Beck was jailed for seven years for exposing him to drugs as well as other charges. Her sentence was later reduced to four years following an appeal.

The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will explore the circumstances of Olly-James' death, and the adequacy of the care provided by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council's social work department.

A preliminary hearing is to be held on 5 March at Peterhead Sheriff Court.

Beck, from Fraserburgh, was found guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen of exposing the boy to illicit substances between September 2019 and the time of his death three months later.

She was also convicted of being involved in the supply of the Class B drug mephedrone over a period of almost three years and further charges of exposing children to drugs.

The trial heard that her former home in Sandhaven was "polluted" by drugs.

Her sentence was later cut at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh after appeal judges concluded the sentence was "excessive".

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for an FAI.

The inquiries are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Andy Shanks, of COPFS, said: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Olly-James Sievewright occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held.

"Olly-James' family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."