A WOMAN facing a manslaughter charge after a schoolgirl's death from an overdose made a brief appearance at Preston Crown Court.

Sally Corkhill, 40, of Sudell Road, Darwen,is also charged with supplying prescription drugs, and four charges of child abduction.

The manslaughter charge follows the death of 13-year-old Melissa Strickson, of Tithebarn Street, Darwen, in October. It is alleged she took tablets at Corkhill's home.

Her co-defendant, 31-year-old Lee Harrison, of the same address, also faces the same four child abduction charges which relate to Melissa, a 14-year-old girl and two 11-year-old girls.

The case was adjourned until February next year for a plea and directions hearing.

Mr Justice Sachs remanded both defendants in custody following the preliminary hearing.

He made an order protecting the identities of the other three children in the case.