Family ignored dying heroin overdose girl

[4th April 2008]

The mother and half-sister of a 16-year old girl put her to bed and watched TV when they knew she'd taken a heroin overdose.

Carly Townsend died during the night in their home in Llanelli. Andrea Townsend, 45, and Gemma Evans, 25, who were experienced drug users, put Carly in the recovery position in bed, although her lips were turning blue, and went to watch television.

Carly had been taking heroin for two years and both mother and half-sister know she had injected herself that day. They were both also aware of the symptoms of an overdose, which Carly was experiencing, as Mrs Townsend's husband died from a drug overdose too.

It is believed that Ms Evans had helped her half-sister to obtain the heroin, which is why they didn't call an ambulance.

Carly had recently served three months at Hillside Secure Unit. As she had no access to drugs there, her tolerance would have been low when she took the heroin again.

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