Man Jailed for 8 Years Over Fest Horror Death of Girlfriend After LSD-Like Drug Trip
A man has been slammed with an eight-year jail term after being found guilty of manslaughter for failing to get his girlfriend life-saving medical help during a devastating drug trip at Bestival.
Ceon Broughton’s Deadly Neglect at Bestival
Ceon Broughton, 30, from Enfield, London, watched helplessly as Louella Fletcher-Michie, 25, spiralled into a fatal state after taking the dangerous class A drug 2C-P, which he had supplied her. The horror unfolded over six agonising hours in a restricted woodland area near Lulworth Castle festival site in Dorset on 10 September 2017.
Broughton was convicted at Winchester Crown Court of manslaughter by gross negligence, and also of supplying 2C-P, a psychedelic drug likened to a mix of ecstasy and LSD. He had earlier admitted to supplying 2C-P at Glastonbury that summer.
Ignoring Calls for Help as Louella Suffered
Even as Louella’s condition took a dreadful turn, Broughton recorded chilling videos and audio of her distress — yet refused to seek medical aid, fearing he might breach a suspended sentence. Distressingly, Louella lay just 100 metres from the festival’s edge and 400 metres from its hospital tent, mere steps from safety.
Despite her parents’ frantic calls urging him to get help, Broughton delayed until after 11.24pm before alerting security. Louella’s body was found at 1.15am the next day, and Broughton was arrested shortly after.
Callous Attitude During and After the Tragic Incident
Messages on Broughton’s phone revealed a grim attitude, calling Louella a ‘drama queen’ and admitting to wanting to cover up the drug supply to avoid arrest. He even told a friend, “If the fam ask say a ra don have us 2cp,” indicating a desire to dodge blame.
Blood tests showed Louella had a toxic level of 2C-P in her system, while Broughton’s sample revealed other drugs but only trace 2C-P, suggesting he did not consume the same amount.
Medical experts testified Louella could have survived with timely medical intervention, highlighting Broughton’s reckless inaction.
Police Slam ‘Selfish and Shameful’ Behaviour
“Ceon Broughton chose to ignore advice and not seek medical help. Even as Louella lay motionless, struggling to breathe, he kept recording and messaging friends,” said Senior Investigating Officer Neil Devoto.
“All he had to do was walk a few hundred metres to get help or dial 999. His actions were selfish and shameful.”
Broughton will be sentenced on 1 March 2019. The tragic death leaves a lasting scar on Louella’s family and friends who continue to mourn her needless loss.
