A new investigation is being initiated into the death of a three-month-old infant who consumed illicit drugs at his residence in Scotland.

The baby, Olly-James Sievwright, was exposed to mephedrone (M-CAT) and MDMA (Ecstasy) on December 22, 2019, at his home in Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire. Tragically, he passed away in the hospital after developing peritonitis, a severe abdominal infection.

His mother, Amy Beck, 32, was sentenced to seven years in prison in April 2024, which was later reduced to four years by judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh, deeming the original sentence excessive.

An inquiry is scheduled to commence on March 5 at Peterhead Sheriff Court following a First Notice filed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to initiate a Fatal Accident Inquiry.

The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding Olly-James’ death and assess the care provided by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire social work department to Amy Beck and Olly-James, as reported by the Daily Record.

Andy Shanks from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the authority overseeing death investigations in Scotland, stated, “The Lord Advocate has deemed the death of Olly-James Sievewright a matter of serious public concern necessitating a Fatal Accident Inquiry.”

“The initiation of the First Notice allows the FAI process to begin under the Sheriff’s direction. Olly-James’ family will be updated on significant developments throughout the court proceedings,” he added.

Beck was found guilty at Aberdeen’s High Court of involvement in mephedrone supply and three charges related to exposing children, including Olly-James, to drugs endangering their health.

Initially sentenced to seven years, Beck’s prison term was reduced following a successful appeal on the grounds of excessiveness.

During the court ruling, Lord Matthews stated, “Considering all factors, the sentence was deemed excessive.”

Appeal judges clarified that while Beck had been involved in drug supply for nearly three years, there was no intent to harm children or cause her infant’s death.

They acknowledged the tragic nature of the case and emphasized the broader consequences of drug abuse that may not be immediately apparent.