A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs to 13-year-old Carson Price, who died last year.

The 15-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was handed a 12-month youth referral order at Cwmbran Youth Court today (Tuesday, August 18).

A youth referral order requires the offender to attend a youth offender panel and agree to a set of commitments, such as community work.

Carson, from Hengoed, died on April 12 last year after taking three ecstasy pills formed in the shape of video game character ‘Donkey Kong’.

He was found “in and out of consciousness, pale and shaking” in Ystrad Mynach Park and was taken to the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, where he later died.

A coroner later ruled that Carson, who was a pupil at Lewis School Pengam, died after taking an “excessive” amount of the drug and reacting violently to it.

A statement released by Carson’s family read: “We appreciate all the hard work which has gone into this investigation, which is still continuing.

“No sentence can ever be sufficient to alleviate the pain and suffering we have experienced.

“We are fully aware that this sentence reflects the age of the offender, however, we feel that it has fallen some way short of sending the right message to all children and young people that taking or dealing drugs is extremely dangerous and has severe consequences.

“It remains frustrating to our family that the adults, who introduce these drugs into the social networks of our children, are yet to be charged or convicted.”

DI Ian Bartholomew, of Gwent Police, thanked Carson’s family for their “immense dignity during what has been a complex and lengthy investigation”.

He added: “Nothing will compensate them [Carson’s family] for their sudden and devastating loss.

“This was a tragic and shocking incident which affected many in the community. The 15-year-old sentenced today will have to come to terms with his role in this tragedy in the years ahead.”

DI Bartholomew also thanked the public for their “continued support” and reiterated that the investigation is still ongoing, with Carson’s family continuing to receive support from specialist officers.

He said the case “serves as a tragic reminder” of the danger of drugs and urged parents to talk with their children about the risks of drug taking.

“It is important we work together to rid our communities of drugs. We don’t want another family to go through what Carson’s family have been through”, he added.

Anyone with information or concerns about the supply of drugs can contact Gwent Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.