A WOMAN today pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of schoolgirl Melissa Strickson, who died of a suspected drugs overdose.
Sally Edwina Corkhill, 40, of Sudell Road Darwen, also pleaded not guilty to supplying the 13 year-old girl with a Class C drug during the hearing at Preston Crown Court.
But she pleaded guilty to four counts of child abduction and to supplying Lee Harrison, 31, of the same address, with a Class C drug.
Melissa was found in a Sudell Road flat in October.
She had gone missing from her home in nearby Tythebarn Street along with three other girls.
She was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A 14-year-old girl, also of the Sudell area, was taken to Pendlebury Children's Hospital, where she later regained consciousness.
Another girl, aged 11, was also at the house but was unharmed.
The trial on the manslaughter and the supply of a Class C drug charges is due to take place on May 7.
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