Was this tragic baby killed by her mother's methadone?
By ANDY DOLAN
Last updated at 1:21 AM on 03rd March 2009
A baby has died from a suspected methadone overdose while in the care of her drug-addict mother.
Holly Agius was found 'in an extremely poorly condition' in her cot by her mother Bonny Richards.
Doctors initially believed the 14-month-old had died of meningitis after mistaking chicken pox spots for the disease's tell-tale rash.
But a month later, 27-year-old Miss Richards - who has been an addict since she was 16 - was arrested along with her 30-year-old boyfriend on suspicion of administering a poison.
Both have since been bailed but must report to police on Thursday.
Yesterday, as social services launched an inquiry into Holly's death, a source revealed that the agency has had no contact with the family since the baby's birth - despite her mother being a registered drug addict.
This is because health workers are under no obligation to tell their social work colleagues that a newborn baby is potentially at risk.
He said: 'Apparently, the health visitor was shocked when she heard what had happened because Bonny always kept any appointments she had concerning Holly.
'I know she kept the methadone in a locked cupboard out of the children's reach. There's no way she would have deliberately tried to harm them.
'Holly had been ill with chicken pox and I know Bonny was struggling a bit with all the crying.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1158507/Was-tragic-baby-killed-mothers-methadone.html
