Slimming pills supplier is convicted of manslaughter
A BUSINESSMAN has become the first person to be convicted of manslaughter in relation to the sale of slimming pills after he provided them to a student who later died.
Eloise Aimee Parry, 21, a student at Wrexham Glyndwr University, was obsessed with weight loss and posted pictures of models around her home who she thought were the perfect size.
She suffered from bulimia and bought the capsules of DNP (Dinitrophenol) from a website run by Bernard Rebelo, 31. At least 16 people have died by taking the unpredictable drug, which causes weight loss by burning fat and carbohydrates.
However, the slightest overdose can destroy the cells of the body’s vital organs including the heart. Eloise took eight pills and died hours after being taken to hospital.
Inner London Crown Court heard that Rebelo, of Beckton, London, was buying the chemical from China for £340 for a 24kg (52lb) drum, and made at least £100,000 a year selling the pills. He admitted selling Ms Parry DNP, but said his website indicated it was not for human consumption.
But in a landmark decision, he was convicted of manslaughter and placing unfit food on the market, and will be sentenced tomorrow. The Food Standards Agency said no one had been convicted of manslaughter previously relating to the sale of DNP.