SALLY CORKHILL AND LEE HARRISON'S DARWEN NIGHTMARE: TRAGIC DEATH OF 13-YEAR-OLD MELISSA STRICKSON

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Darwen, a young girl named Melissa Jane Strickson tragically lost her life at the tender age of 13. The events leading up to her death have been the subject of intense legal scrutiny and emotional debate. Melissa went missing from her Darwen home for the 27th time in just one year in October 2001. Her disappearance ended when she was found at the residence of an individual who identified as a white witch, a person claiming to possess mystical powers. During her brief stay, Melissa was at the home of an associate, where she remained for two nights before her untimely death.

Early on the morning of October 10, Melissa consumed a large quantity of the painkiller coProxamol, which led to her overdose and subsequent death. Her tragic demise prompted a series of legal actions and investigations that would shake the local community and raise questions about the adequacy of protective measures for vulnerable youths.

Two individuals from Darwen, Sally Corkhill, aged 41, and Lee Harrison, aged 31, became central figures in this tragic story. Corkhill, residing on Sudell Road, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to four charges of abduction and two charges of administering a controlled drug. She was, however, acquitted of manslaughter. Harrison, also from Sudell Road, received a nine-month sentence after being convicted on four counts of child abduction.

Both defendants were involved in the events surrounding Melissa’s disappearance and subsequent death. Corkhill’s involvement was particularly notable due to her role in the abduction charges and her connection to the circumstances that led to Melissa’s overdose.

Melissa’s parents have expressed their belief that their daughter might still be alive had she been detained for a “short, sharp shock,” implying that a brief period of detention could have prevented her from falling into dangerous situations. However, an official report from the Area Child Protection Committee concluded that simply providing accommodation for troubled youths was not a sufficient solution to address their underlying issues.

Following Melissa’s death, her father, Victor Strickson of Tockholes Road, Darwen, initiated legal proceedings against the Chief Constable of Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Council. He alleged that both the police and the local authority had breached his daughter’s human rights, with their negligence contributing to her tragic death. Despite his efforts, the case faced significant legal hurdles. A judge at Preston County Court dismissed the claim on the grounds that it had not been served within the prescribed time limits. Subsequently, the High Court refused to grant a judicial review of that decision.

Most recently, the law lords, led by Lord Bingham, the senior law lord and former Lord Chief Justice, upheld the High Court’s ruling. Their decision, published without detailed reasoning, effectively blocked Mr. Strickson’s attempt to pursue further legal action. His legal team argued that he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice and contended that the case raised important issues concerning the law of private and public rights.

Overall, the tragic death of Melissa Strickson remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young people in distress and the ongoing debates about how best to protect them from harm.