Methadone girl care 'appropriate'

Danielle Scott died in February 2005 after being given methadone

A sheriff has criticised the family of a vulnerable teenager who died after taking the heroin substitute methadone.

Danielle Scott had absconded from a young persons' unit in Edinburgh when she took the drug in February 2005.

The 17-year-old's family argued her death could have been avoided by diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and her return to a secure unit.

But Sheriff John Horsburgh said they were "eager to blame" others and the care she received was appropriate.

Danielle Scott was found dead at the home in Sighthill, Edinburgh, of 27-year-old Peter Meaney, a drug addict she met after leaving Howdenhall Young Persons' Centre on a one-hour pass.

He was later jailed for three years and nine months for culpable homicide after admitting giving the teenager methadone and alcohol.

The inquiry found she died from acute methadone and alcohol poisoning.

Ms Scott, from Glasgow, had displayed extensive mental health and behavioural problems from about the age of 12.

'Appropriate' care

But Sheriff Horsburgh said he believed the care the teenager received from various doctors was "entirely appropriate".

He said: "Nothing arises in this aspect of the case that would have caused me to conclude that there were any reasonable steps in the medical area which could have been taken whereby Danielle's death might have been avoided."

He said Ms Scott's treatment had been criticised by her family "at almost every stage" and that their involvement had hindered plans for her care.

"They were often oppositional. They encouraged her to think she was mentally ill, and was therefore absolved of responsibility," he said.

He said the decision to concentrate on preparing her for independence, rather than returning her to a secure unit, was justified.