A DEVASTATED mother’s campaign to outlaw the ability of under-16s to consent to taking illegal substances is heading for Parliament.

Leah’s Law is due to be debated in the Commons next month. Leah Heyes, from Northallerton, was 15 when she died after taking ecstasy supplied by two teenagers.

Her mother, Kerry Roberts has been campaigning for Leah’s Law to increase sentences in the hope of detering dealers, and make under-16s unable to consent to taking illegal substances. 

She wants to prevent any other family from suffering the nightmare hers has gone through, and started an online petition, which has collected more than 8,500 signatures.

The Northern Echo: Leah Heyes died after being supplied with ecstasyLeah Heyes died after being supplied with ecstasy (Image: FAMILY)

Now Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake has taken up the campaign and is on the list to introduce Leah’s Law as a ten minute rule bill in Parliament next month. This means he can deliver a ten-minute speech, with the opposition getting the chance to respond before a vote to see if it should go further.

Kerry said: “I was overwhelmed, it is such a positive move forward, there is still a really long way to go, but it is a really significant first step. To get it raised in Parliament is an important development. For Leah’s story to be told in the Commons is huge. I just can’t bear the thought of another parent going through what we have been through. Law and education that is what we need, to stop young people dying.

The Northern Echo: Leah's mum Kerry is campaigning for tougher sentencesLeah's mum Kerry is campaigning for tougher sentences

“In Leah’s case her life was ended, the two boys who supplied the drugs ended up serving six months each. Depending on the circumstances, longer sentences are needed.”

Kerry is still appealing to people to sign the petition, via https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/596771.

“That support shows how important it is and the need to do everything we can to stop this,” she added.

Mr Hollinrake said the prison sentences given to the dealers who supplied Leah were not tough enough. He added: “It was a terribly tragic case and I think Kerry’s campaign is really commendable. The least I can do as a local member of Parliament is support her efforts and I think what she’s campaigning for is fair and reasonable.

“I think there’s greater responsibility and a greater potential impact when you sell to children and that’s something that needs highlighting.”

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