A JUDGE was wrong not to allow the family of a teenager who died of a drug overdose to launch a civil case against police and their local council, the High Court in London has ruled.
Melissa Strickson, 13, died in October 2001 after running away from home with three other girls and taking refuge at the home of self-confessed white witch Sally Corkhill, of Sudell Road, Darwen.
Melissa's father, Victor, of Tockholes Road, Darwen, launched a £10,000 legal claim against the police and Blackburn with Darwen Council, claiming the authorities failed to give them help in controlling Melissa, who absconded from home more than 50 times.
His case was dismissed in March last year on a technicality, after a judge ruled a claim form had not been served properly.
This ruling was again upheld last year on appeal.
But the High Court has now ruled Mr Strickson's appeal should have succeeded, but under the law the High Court has not power to alter the decision because it was outside its jurisdiction.
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