Jail sentence for men in Megan Bannister case

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to a total of eight years and six months in prison after admitting supplying drugs to Megan Bannister.

Jason Burder, of Braunstone Avenue, Leicester, had also pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA, two counts of supplying a Class A drug and driving without due care and attention and was sentenced today (Wednesday 29 November) at Birmingham Crown Court.

His friend, 28-year-old Adam King, of Waltham Avenue, Leicester, was sentenced to four years and six months after admitting being concerned in the supply of the drug to the 16-year-old schoolgirl.

Both men were acquitted of a joint charge of gross negligence manslaughter after the Judge directed a jury to find both defendants not guilty of the charge in respect of Megan’s death.

The body of Megan Bannister was found on the back seat of a black Vauxhall Astra after the car was involved in a collision in Enderby, Leicestershire, on the morning of Sunday 14 May. Burder was driving the car at the time, with King in the passenger seat.

It was established early in the investigation that Megan had not died as a result of the collision and toxicology tests found she had MDMA in her system. However, the exact cause of her death remains unascertained.

The court heard how the teenager had been in the company of both men on the evening of 13 May when, during the course of the evening or the early hours of the next morning, she had taken the drug.

At some point she had become unwell and was seen being helped into the car by both men just before 8am on Sunday 14 May. It is unclear as to when exactly Megan died.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Smalley led the investigation. He 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 unresponsive 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.”