A MOTHER left mourning the death of her 17-year-old son has warned East Lancashire drug users - the first time you dabble could be your last.

Justin Craven, who, his family insist, had only previously tried 'soft' drugs, was killed after taking methadone, the heroin substitute.

Now his grief-stricken mum, Judith 42, wants her son's death to act as a warning to others.

Only two months after Justin's death, his father, Robert, collapsed and died in the bath, from a broken heart Judith believes.

"He never got over Justin's death. He just couldn't handle it. We both felt a lot of anger.''

Her anger flared again when the man who supplied the methadone and tranquillisers to Justin was jailed for 21 months by Judge Raymond Bennett at Burnley Crown Court last week.

Sentencing Gary Law, 21, Judge Bennett said Justin had been no stranger to drugs and that his death was not as a direct result of Law's actions.

But Mrs Craven, of Foxdale Close, Bacup, said: "We know he had smoked dope but we are sure it was the first time he had taken methadone and he has paid the price." In court it was said that Law had shown great remorse and suffered nightmares.

"My whole life is a nightmare,'' said Mrs Craven. I have lost my son and my husband. I have had to shut down the business which my husband worked seven days a week to establish. There is no end to our nightmare, it will be with us for ever.''

Both Judith and Justin's girlfriend Karen Mullins, of Market Street, Bacup, believe that Methadone is a killer and that the message should be stressed to all youngsters.

Mrs Craven said: "Drugs seem so easily available these days. The problem is rife. But the message I want to get across to all youngsters is to leave drugs alone.

"Justin experimented and he paid for it with his life.''

Karen said: "Methadone prescribed to addicts should be taken at the chemists or in front of a doctor or medical staff so that bottles of it do not get into circulation.

"It would prevent anyone being able to sell it on or give to others.''

Over seven years, Mr Craven had established a successful Artexing business helped by his elder son Jason, 18.

A week before he died Justin had joined a plastering course at Accrington and Rossendale College because the business lacked a skilled plasterer.

He had said he wanted to be the best plasterer because his dad was a perfectionist.

Now both Justin and his father and the business have all become victims of the drugs horror.

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