Accused not giving evidence over John Michie’s daughter’s death

A man accused of the manslaughter of the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie at a music festival will not be giving evidence at his trial.

Louella Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie, was found dead after taking party drug 2CP at the Bestival site at Lulworth Castle in Dorset in September 2017. Picture: Zoe Barling/PA Wire

Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, took class A party drug 2-CP at Bestival in Dorset in September 2017.

She later died in woodland an hour before her 25th birthday.

It is alleged she was given drugs by her on-off boyfriend Ceon Broughton, 29, and died as her parents rushed to help her.

Broughton, from Enfield in north London, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court where he denies manslaughter by gross negligence and supplying the drug.

His barrister, Stephen Kamlish QC, told the jury: “The defence are not calling or giving any evidence.”

The judge, Mr Justice Goose, asked Mr Kamlish of the defendant’s decision.

He said: “Is he aware, in not giving evidence himself, that it may be open to the jury to draw such inferences from his failure as may be proper after directions from me?”

Mr Kamlish replied: “He has been advised.”

The case was adjourned until tomorrow.