'˜A tragedy in every dimension' - Judge's comments as he jails Sheffield Hallam University student for supplying ecstasy which killed friend

A judge has described the case of a Sheffield student who died after taking ecstasy as a '˜tragedy in every dimension' as he jailed her friend who supplied the drug.
Joana Burns.Joana Burns.
Joana Burns.

Jeremy Richardson QC, jailed former student Katherine Lavin for six months for supplying ecstasy to her friend Joana Burns, who died after taking the drug as they celebrated the end of their time at university.

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Katherine Lavin.Katherine Lavin.
Katherine Lavin.

Lavin, 22, was given the sentence at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday by Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, who heard how Lavin had collected a quantity of ecstasy for a group of Sheffield Hallam University friends, including Miss Burns, who all took the drug willingly in June 2017.

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The judge told her: "Quite how an intelligent young woman, as you are, could do such a foolish thing is almost beyond understanding. This case is a tragedy in every dimension".

The court heard Lavin bought the ecstasy from bar worker Benjamin Williams, 26, who was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Both Lavin and Williams pleaded guilty to supplying class A drugs.