Coroner’s warning after Bethany Devlin-McCrone died of MDMA poisoning

Bethany Devlin-McCrone, of Greasby, Wirral, said to be a ‘novice’ to the world of drug taking, was pronounced dead even before she reached hospital

A coroner issued a chilling warning to drug users at an inquest into a 14-year-old girl who died after taking MDMA saying: ‘Sometimes in life, you don’t get a second chance.’

Bethany Devlin-McCrone, of Greasby, Wirral, said to be a ‘novice’ to the world of drug taking, was pronounced dead even before she reached hospital.

The youngster died of MDMA poisoning, but the circumstances of exactly why she took the drug were not heard because there is an ongoing criminal investigation by Merseyside Police.

However it emerged around the time of her death in July this year that pupils at her school had been buying highly concentrated MDMA pills nicknamed ‘The Punisher.’

The tablets, pressed into the skull mask logo of the Marvel superhero had been selling for as little as £5 each.

Senior coroner for Liverpool and Wirral Andre Rebello said at the short hearing  at Liverpool Coroners Court today: ‘The evil people that peddle illegal drugs, I suspect, many of them make vast profits out of the upset and grief that ordinary families, such as Bethany’s family, have suffered.

‘With this drug, along with other drugs, you cannot build up a tolerance; each time you take it there’s a risk of it causing death.’ 

Dr Rebello added: ‘She was given this drug which had fatal consequences. There’s no evidence that she she knew how dangerous it was. 

‘She was a novice with regards to these matters.

‘Unfortunately in life we don’t always get a second chance. 

I’m quite sure Bethany never intended these consequences nor the upset and grief that her loss has caused.’

The hearing was told that Ms Devlin-McCrone was pronounced dead at the family home in the early hours of July 25 after being found seriously ill.

Andre Rebello, left, issued a warning to all drug users about the dangers of taking illegal substances, telling the inquest: 'Unfortunately in life we don't always get a second chance.'

The blue Punisher pills were being bought by pupils at Ms Devlin McCrone's school at the time of her death

Andre Rebello, left, issued a warning to all drug users about the dangers of taking illegal substances. The blue ‘Punisher’ pills, right, were being bought by pupils at Ms Devlin-McCrone’s school at the time of her death

Dr Rebello said her death was a reaction that could have been caused by ingesting any level of the drug, 

He recorded a verdict of accidental death but said she ‘had been the victim of a crime.’

Her parents Sean Devlin, 35, and Angela Devlin-McCrone, 32, held hands as they listed to details in court.

In a moving tribute before today’s hearing they said: ‘We are heartbroken to have lost our princess Bethany at such a young age, under such tragic circumstances. 

‘Her death will leave a gaping hole in everyone’s lives.

‘Bethany loved life and when she entered a room, you knew about it. 

She was so bubbly and cheeky, but extremely loving and caring too, and had a heart of gold. Her brothers adore her.’ 

Around the time of her death Merseyside Police also issued an urgent warning to all parents.

Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke said: ‘There is no such thing as a safe way to take illegal drugs and we need parents to speak to their children and say: ‘These are the risks.’

Three men, aged 14, 18, and 39, have been arrested by Merseyside Police on suspicion of drugs supply offences and bailed pending further investigation.

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