A PENAL reform campaigner, whose son was the youngest to die in custody, has been told she no longer faces drug dealing charges.

Carol Pounder, 45, had denied conspiracy to supply heroin when she appeared in the dock at Burnley Crown Court.

And prosecutors decided that the case against her should be allowed to ‘lie on the file’ and will not be proceeded with. Pounder, of Greenock Close, Burnley, has been a vocal campaigner regarding secure detention facilities after her son Adam took his own life at a centre in County Durham.

Adam, 14, had been subjected to a controversial ‘nose distraction’ technique, by officers at the Hassockfield detention facility, which has now been outlawed. Pounder’s daughter Laura Rickwood, also of Greenock Close, also pleaded not guilty to the heroin conspiracy offence.

But the 21-year-old admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin between January and February and was bailed for pre-sentence reports. Adjourning her case, Judge Beverley Lunt said: “All sentencing options, including prison, will be considered.”

Luke Gorton, 28, also of Greenock Close, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and was remanded in custody to await sentence later.

Earlier this year Pounder appeared before the town’s magistrates, to admit possession of phenazepam, a stronger version of valium. She told the court that the drug was designed to help her sleep and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.