THE parents of tragic teenager Melissa Strickson have complained to the Attorney General over the handling of their daughter's case.

Sue and Vic Strickson, of Tythebarn Street, Darwen, are unhappy at what they call "lenient" sentences handed out to two people in connection with her death.

As well as the head of the judiciary, they have also complained to the Crown Prosecution Service over the way the criminal investigation was conducted.

The couple have previously demanded a public inquiry into Melissa's death after claiming social services and the police had not done enough to protect their daughter.

Melissa, 13, died in October last year after running away from home with three other girls and taking refuge at home of self-confessed white witch Sally Corkhill in Sudell Road, Darwen.

The Moorland High School pupil had a massive overdose of coproximol tablets and was pronounced dead on arrival at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Corkhill, 41, was sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to four abduction charges and two of administering a controlled drug. She was cleared of manslaughter.

Her lover, Lee Harrison, 31, also of Sudell Road, received nine months on four charges of child abduction.

Sue, who has written outlining her case to the Attorney general, said: "I find this sentence was too soft and very hurtful and is not enough for the crime she has committed.

"I was disappointed I was never called to give evidence. Corkhill was on remand for eight months before the trial. She will be released in October 2002 on the first anniversary of her death.

"I feel that we have been treated so wrongly and unfairly just because we had a problem child."