Trio sentenced to prison following Kendal Calling death

Three men have been jailed for drugs offences exactly a year after a teenager died at the 2015 Kendal Calling festival.
Crowds at Kendal Calling.Crowds at Kendal Calling.
Crowds at Kendal Calling.

The sentences, which were handed down today (August 3) at Carlisle Crown Court, following an investigation by Cumbria Police into the death of Christian Pay at the event in 2015.

The following were all sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs:

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· Michael Mountfort, aged 42, of Manchester, was sentenced to seven years in prison;

Michael Mountfort.Michael Mountfort.
Michael Mountfort.

· Luke Fraser, aged 21, of Manchester, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison;

· Simon Chapman, aged 21, of Race Grove, Millom, was sentenced to 16 months in prison;

Sgt Paddy McDonnell said: “The thorough police investigation following the tragic death of 18-year-old Christian Pay and the subsequent sentences handed down by the Judge clearly show how seriously the police and courts see the issue of drug dealing in the community.

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“The case gives a strong message about the significant dangers of the use of illicit controlled drugs. Not only is the taking of controlled drugs illegal but poses a real threat to people’s health and ultimately in this case proved fatal.

Luke Fraser.Luke Fraser.
Luke Fraser.

“The drug dealing is a totally unregulated industry with no checks or quality control. Therefore people will very often have little or no idea what the actual content of the drug is that they have purchased, in relation to either the strength or even the identity of the drug. The advice of the police is to avoid the use of any controlled drugs whatsoever.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Christian.”