A WOMAN was today cleared of the manslaughter of Darwen teenager Melissa Strickson who overdosed on almost 100 tablets.

Sally Corkhill, 41, of Sudell Road, Darwen was cleared after the jury of six men and six women at Preston Crown Court returned a unanimous verdict in just under two hours.

Earlier, she pleaded guilty to one count of abduction and two counts of supplying the controlled C class drug Valium to a 14-year-old and an 11-year-old girl.

Corkhill collapsed as the verdict was read out and burst into tears.

The girls had stayed with Corkhill and her 31-year-old partner, Lee Harrison, after running away from home, the court heard.

Harrison admitted a charge of abduction.

Corkhill will be sentenced for the three separate charges by Judge Peter Openshaw on Friday, June 7.

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