Academic Suspended From Lecturing Position
Dodgeon arrested on suspicion of drug possession and child abandonment
60 year old an education researcher and child development expert Brian Dodgeon has been suspended on full pay from his position at the Institute of Education.
The academic, whose research subjects have included health inequalities and alcohol consumption patterns, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and child abandonment after a party hosted by this 14-year-old daughter Beatrice ended in tragedy. He was bailed until June.
Institute Director Professor Chris Husbands said: "The institute was deeply sorry to hear of the tragic events and extends its sympathy to Isobel Reilly's family and friends.
"We understand that a police inquiry has begun into those events. My senior team and I will be meeting tomorrow morning to make appropriate decisions on the way we will proceed."
Beatrice, along with two 14-year-old boys named as Jamal Clarke and Harry Barton, was also taken to hospital for observation.
According to newspaper reports, the teenagers discovered a stash of drugs including ecstasy, LSD and ketamine hidden in a bedroom in Dodgeon's North Kensington Home.
A source told The Sun: "The girls found a bag containing ecstasy and handed pills out as if they were sweets. Some had been drinking Bacardi and vodka, and mixed them with that.
"Issy was the first to collapse, and her friends called for an ambulance. The police also turned up and some of the youngsters ran."
Police confirmed they had seized quantities of suspected ketamine and LSD as well as ecstasy.
Detective Sergeant Neil Philpott, from Kensington and Chelsea borough, said: "We are yet to make contact with all those who attended and would ask anyone who was present at any point during the evening to make contact with officers by calling 0300 123 1212. Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A statement from her family said, "Isobel's family and friends are devastated and heartbroken by her untimely death. We hope that if anything positive comes from this dreadful event, it is that others will make the right decisions to be safe and well in the future. We would very much appreciate time to grieve for our beloved Issy in private. If anyone has any information concerning Issy's death could they please contact the police. "
Tony Ryan, headteacher of Chiswick Community School said, "Isobel was an extremely popular girl at our school and counted many of her fellow pupils as friends. Her tragically early death is devastating news to everyone associated with the school and all our thoughts are with her family at this time. As pupils and staff return to school this week following the Easter holidays, we must now focus on assisting all those affected to come to terms with this terrible course of events."
April 27, 2011
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