A 40-YEAR-OLD Darwen woman has appeared in court charged with manslaughter following the death of 13-year-old Melissa Strickson from an overdose of prescribed medication.

Melissa and a 14-year-old girl, who was in a coma for two days, took the tablets at the home of Sally Edwina Corkhill in Sudell Road, Darwen, in October.

Corkhill, who described herself in court as a white witch, was originally charged, along with her full time carer Lee Harrison, 31, of the same address, with four charges of child abduction relating to Melissa, the 14-year-old girl and two 11-year-old girls, and supplying prescription drugs to Harrison.

As well as the manslaughter charge Corkhill now faces fresh charges of supplying drugs to Melissa and the 14-year-old girl.

Harrison still faces four charges of detaining a child without lawful authority.

All matters were sent to Preston Crown Court and Corkhill and Harrison were remanded in custody until December 12.