Family of schoolgirl show strength and dignity at difficult time

POLICE have praised the “strength and dignity” of Megan Bannister’s family as they awaited the fate of the two men who supplied her with ecstasy which is believed to have killed her.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Smalley, who led the investigation for Leicestershire Police, spoke after Jason Burder, 29, and 28-year-old Adam King were cleared of unlawfully killing the teenager.

However, both entered late guilty pleas to supplying Megan, who only turned 16 a few weeks before her birthday, with ecstasy which has been blamed for her death.

Det Chief Insp Smalley said: “This is an incredibly sad case and Megan’s family are still trying to come to terms with her death.

“They have acted with great strength and dignity throughout the trial, at a time when they are continuing to mourn the death of their beloved daughter and sister.

“When Megan’s body was found unre- sponsive on the back of the car, a number of witnesses to the collision immediately attempted first aid in attempts to save her.

“They too must be recognised for their brave actions in that tragic situation.

“I hope the conclusion of this case will bring a degree of closure to all those who have been affected by it.”

The trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard the pair were with Megan at all times while she was under the influence of the drug.

They put her into Burder’s car and drove around the countryside for up to four hours before the car was involved in a collision with a motorcyclist and his pillion passenger in Desford Road, Enderby.

Megan was found under a coat on the back seat after the collision, shortly before midday on Sunday, May 14.

Passers-by – who said Burder and King seemed unconcerned with Megan’s plight – tried in vain to save her life.