THE boyfriend of a teenage mother who died after taking ecstasy has appeared in court charged with supplying the lethal drugs.

Nicole Tomlinson, of Darlington, died in February last year after taking three pills allegedly given to her by her boyfriend, James Michael Meaney.

An inquest into the 19-year-old’s death was told she died after an adverse reaction to drugs.

Mr Meaney, 22, of Headlam Road, Darlington, appeared at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, May 23).

He is charged with supplying the controlled Class A drug MDMA – a form of ecstasy - to Miss Tomlinson, in contravention of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.

When asked for his response to the charge, he said he wished to withhold his plea.

Prosecutor Lynne Dalton said the case was unsuitable for summary trial and invited magistrates to decline jurisdiction in the case.

She said the charge was a category four offence, with the possibility of 18 months to three years in jail in the event of a conviction.

Mr Meaney, who wore a black waterproof jacket during the short hearing, spoke only to confirm his name and address, to say he was withholding his plea and to verify that he understood the proceedings.

The case was adjourned for a committal hearing, at the same court, on July 25 and Mr Meaney was released on bail.

It will ultimately be transferred to Crown Court.

At the inquest into Miss Tomlinson’s death, in July, deputy coroner Crispin Oliver recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

He said her death should serve as a ‘terrible warning’ against the use of illicit substances.

Miss Tomlinson lived in the Eastbourne area of Darlington and had a young son.