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Two teenagers appeared in court today charged with supplying ecstasy following the death of a 15-year-old girl who had allegedly taken the Class A drug.
Lilly McCarthy, 15, who was described by her family as 'a bright, happy and funny girl', was taken ill in the early hours of January 24 this year in Hopton, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
She was transported by ambulance from a residential address to the James Paget Hospital in nearby Gorleston but was declared dead shortly after she arrived.
Kian Lockett, 18, of Great Yarmouth, and Nathan Laffitte, 19, of no fixed abode, have been charged with supplying MDMA and being concerned in the supply of MDMA.
The pair were remanded into custody at Norwich Magistrates Court last month and appeared again before Norwich Crown Court today.
Relatives of the pair, including the mother of Nathan who had his 19th birthday last Friday, sat in the public gallery for the 20-minute hearing.
The teenagers, who appeared via video link from Norwich prison, did not enter pleas and spoke only to confirm their names and to say that they understood the proceedings.
Prosecutor Ed Renvoize said there was a possibility that further charges might be brought against the pair in relation to the death of Lilly.
Lilly McCarthy, 15, who was described by her family as 'a bright, happy and funny girl', was taken ill in the early hours of January 24 this year in Hopton, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
He said: 'The Crown are considering whether other charges should appear on the indictment for these two young men reflecting the death of Lilly McCarthy.
'We do not have relevant information to make that decision today. My understanding is that both defendants seek in effect not to be arraigned today.'
Mr Renvoize said the Crown was waiting for the results of the post-mortem examination and full toxicology tests on Lilly before deciding whether or not to bring charges in relation to her death but the process could take two months.
Judge Alice Robinson asked: 'What steps have the Crown taken to expedite these matters being as both defendants are in custody and only 18 years of age?'
Mr Renvoize replied: 'Each of the reports have been certified as requiring urgent responses. Your honour can appreciate it isn't possible to provide a final post-mortem [examination] until full toxicology screening has been received.
'I expect we will have some information within four weeks but I don't anticipate we will have sufficient information (by then) to make decisions.'
Judge Robinson fixed a date for the start of a potential trial on July 27 in the event of future not guilty pleas by the teenagers.
She adjourned the case for a further case management hearing on April 24 so the prosecution could have 'time to decide wither to bring further charges'.
The schoolgirl was transported by ambulance to the James Paget Hospital in nearby Gorleston but was declared dead shortly after she arrived
Judge Robinson told the teenagers: 'It is very important that you attend court when required, either in person or by video link.
'If you fail to attend, don't assume the case will be adjourned. It will carry on in your absence and the jury will be told why you are not here.'
Lilly's family paid tribute to her in a statement released by Norfolk Police last month, saying: 'Our hearts are completely broken.
'Lilly was a bright, happy and funny girl who made a massive impact on everyone lucky enough to have her in their lives. She had a presence that lit up a room.
'The loss we feel is the most extreme kind of loss that no family should ever have to endure and leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled.'
A GoFundMe appeal launched by friends and work colleagues of Lilly's father, Jason McCarthy, to help pay her funeral costs raised £5,852 towards its £6,500 target before being closed yesterday.
The appeal states: 'We are hoping to put funds together to help towards paying for Lilly's funeral. At such a sad time it is a way of showing how much Lilly meant to us all and just a token gesture to such a devoted and loving father Jason has been to his little girl.
'Please give what you can afford. No amount is too small. Lilly, aged just 15, will be sorely missed by everyone and her light will always shine. Rest in Peace beautiful girl.