A new investigation is underway concerning the death of a three-month-old infant who consumed illicit drugs at his residence in Scotland.
Named Olly-James Sievwright, the baby was exposed to mephedrone, a class B substance commonly known as M-CAT, and MDMA, also called Ecstasy, on December 22, 2019, at his residence in Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire. Tragically, the infant passed away in the hospital after developing peritonitis, a severe infection in the abdominal lining.
His mother, Amy Beck, 32, was sentenced to seven years in prison in April 2024. However, her sentence was later reduced to four years by judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh, who deemed it “excessive.”
An inquiry is scheduled to commence on March 5 at Peterhead Sheriff Court following the lodging of a First Notice by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to initiate a Fatal Accident Inquiry through the court system.
The inquiry aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Olly-James’ death and evaluate the quality of care provided to Amy Beck and Olly-James by NHS Grampian and the Aberdeenshire social work department, according to the report by the Daily Record.
Andy Shanks from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s authority for death investigations, stated: “The Lord Advocate has determined that the death of Olly-James Sievewright raised significant public concern, warranting a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.”
“The submission of the First Notice initiates the FAI process under the Sheriff’s direction. Olly-James’ family will be kept informed of major developments as the court proceedings unfold.”
Beck was found guilty after a trial at Aberdeen’s High Court for involvement in the distribution of mephedrone and three additional charges related to exposing children, including Olly-James, to drugs in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or health issues.
Initially sentenced to seven years in prison, her term was shortened after successful appeals by her legal team against its severity.
In delivering the court’s ruling, Lord Matthews expressed: “Considering all factors, we conclude that the sentence was unduly harsh.”
Appellate judges
