Louella Michie trial: Defendant refuses to give evidence in court over girlfriend's drug death at Bestival

Ceon Broughton denies manslaughter by gross negligence and supplying party drug

A man accused of the manslaughter of a woman who overdosed on drugs at a festival has refused to give evidence.

Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, took class A party drug 2-CP at Bestival in Dorset on 10 September 2017, and died in woodland an hour before her 25th birthday.

It is alleged Ms Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie, was given drugs by her on-off boyfriend Ceon Broughton, 29, and died as her parents rushed to help her.

Broughton, of Enfield, north London, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court.

He denies manslaughter by gross negligence and supplying the drug.

Mr Broughton’s barrister, Stephen Kamlish QC, told the jury: “The defence are not calling or giving any evidence.”

The judge, Mr Justice Goose, asked Mr Kamlish of the defendant’s decision: “Is he aware, in not giving evidence himself, that it may be open to the jury to draw such inferences from his failure as may be proper after directions from me?”

Mr Kamlish replied: “He has been advised.”

The court previously heard users who had taken the party drug that killed Ms Fletcher-Michie describe “intense and unforgiving” experiences.

The jury has been shown a 50-minute video of Ms Fletcher-Michie, filmed by Mr Broughton, in which she shouts: “This is the best trip I have ever f***ing had.”

But as her condition deteriorated, Mr Broughton ignored pleas from her family to seek help and continued to film even after she was dead, the prosecution claims.

The case was adjourned until Thursday.