An ecstasy tablet with the motif “The Punisher” was found next to him at the home of Sam King in Fleet Street, Holbeach.
The family of Holbeach teenager Alex Buchan have described him as a “gentle, kind boy, who would help anyone.”
Alastair Turner, 19, who sold drugs at the party, and King, 21, who hosted the event, were told by Judge John Pini QC that although there was not evidence to bring criminal charges against them for the death of Alex, they were both morally responsible for what happened.
Turner was jailed for 45 months and King for three years after both admitted charges arising from the investigation into Alex’s death.
The court was told that the two men staged weekly drug parties at King’s home targeting the invitations at school age children.
Judge Pini, passing sentence, said: “This is an utterly tragic case. It involves the loss of a very young and much loved life.
“Neither defendant has been charged in relation to Alex’s death and the sentence the court imposes cannot reflect the death.
“However you will have the moral responsibility for Alex Buchan’s death on your conscience for the rest of your lives.
“You worked in concert so that the parties would be attended by people of school age.
“The targeting of young people of school age is a very seriously aggravating feature of this case.”
The judge said the case highlighted the “profound danger” of taking Class A drugs.
Andrew Peet, prosecuting, told the court: “Turner was a well-known and busy dealer of ecstasy.
“King very much acted in combination with Turner to ensure that weekly parties were held.
“King organised these to take place at his own home and they would be attended by school age customers.
“He was a willing and active participant in Turner’s drug dealing that took place at King’s house.
“They were connected at the hip, so to speak, as far as the parties were concerned. It is plain that King was a user himself.”
Mr Peet said that Turner was also supplying drugs on a regular basis outside of the weekend parties.
Alex Buchan, who was a pupil at University Holbeach Academy, attended one of the parties held at King’s house on the evening of April 5 2019.
“Whilst at the address he tragically died. His death was caused by a fatal level of MDMA [ecstasy] in his bloodstream,” Mr Peet said.
“He obtained an amount of ecstasy that night via Turner. Although Alex ingested some or all of the ecstasy, it is not the Crown’s case that it was the supply by Turner that led to Alex’s death.
“At 1.30am, the party having begun a few hours before on the previous day, paramedics, police and ambulance were called out to the address because Alex was not responsive.”
Mr Peet said that parents and adults called by the youngsters at the party arrived to try and resuscitate Alex.
Paramedics assisted on their arrival but Alex passed away at 2.30 am. An ecstasy tablet with the motif “The Punisher” was found next to him.
The prosecutor said that it appeared that the pill had been supplied to Alex by someone who had bought it from Turner.
“Alex had consumed far too much ecstasy far too quickly. He had consumed ecstasy before he arrived at the party.
“The investigation revealed that the party was not an isolated event but these had been occurring over many weeks.”
Evidence found on Turner’s mobile phone indicated he had been supplying drugs for the previous five months and had a list of regular customers.
“He told his customers he was able to deliver. Sometimes it was free but sometimes he would deliver with a £5 charge.”
Turner, 19, of Fleet Road, Fleet, admitted possession of ecstasy with intent to supply on April 5, 2019 and a further charge of supplying ecstasy between November 1 2018 and April 7 2019.
King, 21, of Fleet Street, Holbeach, admitted being concerned in the supply of ecstasy and two charges of permitting premises to be used for the supply of drugs.
Karen Walton, for Turner, said he secured an apprenticeship after leaving school but was unable to get a place at college.
“He started dealing drugs and realised he could make money.
“He is a young man of good character. He had shown no sign of any deviant behaviour until this period of his life.”
Neil Sands, for King, told the court: “He is deeply, deeply sorry for what took place. If there was anything within his power to turn the clock back he would so so without hesitation.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.