Needing counselling to help come to terms with losing Issy Reilly

The father of one of the Chiswick Community School pupils who became ill after taking pills at a party has spoken about his son's trauma and need for counselling after losing his close friend Issy Jones-Reilly.

Nicholas Barton, whose 14 year old son Harry was taken to hospital along with the party's host Beatrice Hadjipateras and friend Jamal Clarke both also aged 14, said Harry was "pretty shaken up" over Issy's death.

He also claimed his son had 'never taken illegal substances' before the fateful party held in Beatrice's house on Good Friday.

"He is traumatised. He is in shock. He is remorseful, but he is physically okay," said Mr Barton. "Harry took one tablet. There was no alcohol or anything else in his bloodstream. This will be verified by the police and the hospital."

Harry was discharged from hospital after four days of observation.

"I can say with absolute certainty that he has not taken drugs before. I feel that Harry's experience was driven by curiosity."

Harry has returned to school but needs counselling to help him cope with the tragic events of the party.

An inquest into the death of 15 year old Issy Jones-Reilly heard how Issy and three of her friends took pills thought to be ecstasy they found in a bedroom cupboard.

The inquest heard how Beatrice, in whose home the party was being held, had searched her parent's bedroom "looking for something that they could enjoy."

Brian Dodgeon and his partner, Angela Hadjipateras, were away for the night visiting friends in Hastings but told their neighbours about the party and had asked one of them to keep an eye on things, the inquest was told. Mr Dodgeon was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and child abandonment and bailed until June.

Last week the 60 year old academic threw himself off a bridge on the North Circular Road in an apparent suicide attempt. Mr Dodgeon broke both legs and remains in a serious condition in hospital. He had been suspended from his position at the Institute of Education on full pay.

The post-mortem results for Issy have not yet been released and the inquest has been adjourned until a review hearing due to be held in July.

May 12, 2011