CORRIE STAR GIRL’S LOVER STAYS SILENT

Rapper refuses to give evidence

THE rapper accused of giving Corrie star John Michie’s daughter the drug that killed her refused to give evidence yesterday.

Ceon Broughton, 29, was warned the jury could draw its own conclusion on his failure to give his account of events surrounding the death of Louella.

Stephen Kamlish QC, defending, said Broughton was aware of the possible consequences.

The musician denies manslaughter and supplying his lover with a Class A drug at Bestival music event in Dorset in 2017.

Winchester Crown Court has heard the yoga teacher, dancer and model became the first person in the world to die from an overdose of hallucinogenic party drug 2C-P. Louella, who was about to turn 25, fell seriously ill after disappearing to a wood at the edge of the site with Broughton. Instead of fetching medical help, the rapper filmed her for up to six hours as she suffered a “bad trip”, the jury has heard. Medics say the last three images he shot showed her dead.

The prosecution allege Broughton failed in a duty of care by not getting help. They allege his actions were led by a fear of being sent to prison if he was caught supplying drugs as he was subject to a suspended jail sentence at the time.

Mr Kamlish told the court Broughton had decided not to give evidence or to call any witnesses.

Judge Mr Justice Goose asked: “Have you advised the defendant that this is his opportunity to give his evidence and to call evidence in his own defence?”

Mr Kamlish replied: “Yes.’’ The judge then asked: “Is he aware that in not giving evidence 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 so advised.’’

Broughton has previously admitted supplying 2C-P to Louella at Glastonbury three months earlier.

Mr Kamlish earlier told the court the rapper and Louella “were in love” and “liked to film each other while both taking drugs”.

The trial continues.