A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to a 14-year-old Suffolk schoolgirl who died from a suspected drugs overdose.Jennifer Harpley, of San Francisco Walk, Lowestoft, died from multiple organ failure at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, on Monday morning.

By David Lennard

A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to a 14-year-old Suffolk schoolgirl who died from a suspected drugs overdose.

Jennifer Harpley, of San Francisco Walk, Lowestoft, died from multiple organ failure at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, on Monday morning. A woman appeared in court yesterday accused of the teenager's manslaughter.

The headteacher of Kirkley High School in Lowestoft, where Jennifer was a pupil, held a special assembly yesterday .

John Clinton told pupils of her death and warned them of the dangers of hard drugs. He described her as a “cheerful and lively” girl.

He said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jenny's tragic death.

“She was a pleasant student who had a cheerful and lively personality. She got on well with teachers and students.”

Mr Clinton said it was a difficult task informing pupils about the tragedy.

“The death of a child is always difficult to come to terms with - particularly when a young life ends in these circumstances. We will ensure that they receive every appropriate support at this difficult time.

“We offer our deepest sympathy to her family and to her friends.”

Drug education is an important part of the school curriculum at Kirkley High, he said.

“Like any other part of the country, Lowestoft is not immune from the dangers of hard drugs.

“We take this issue very seriously as a school and run an extensive drugs education programme for all our students. This includes close liaison with the police and drugs advisory services,” said Mr Clinton.

A woman appeared in court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of Jennifer.

Claire Fowles, 22, also known as Claire Jillings, of Chaukers Crescent, Lowestoft, is also charged with supplying heroin, methadone and diazepam to Jennifer on dates around January 17 and 18.

The court was told the drugs charges are related to the manslaughter allegation.

She also charged with supplying diazepam to another 14-year-old girl and heroin to a 22-year-old woman. Fowles was remanded in custody.

Carl Balls, 35, from Montgomery Avenue, Lowestoft, appeared before the court charged with supplying heroin and methadone to Fowles. He was released on conditional bail.

Both defendants are due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on January 30.