A 15-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl died after taking a lethal concoction of drugs, an inquest ruled.

Sherie-Lea James, a pupil at The Billericay School, died in the early hours of September 1 after taking ecstasy and cocaine.

She was taken ill at a house party in South Ockendon before being rushed to Basildon Hospital at around 5.30am. Doctors were unable to save her life.

Essex Coroner Eleanor McGnann delivered a verdict of drug-related death at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court on Friday.

Sherie-Lea’s devastated mother Sam, of New Waverley Road, Basildon, and one of her three brothers could be seen comforting each other.

Ms McGann said: “This is very sad. A young girl who just thought she was enjoying herself.

“Sadly a lot of young people take these drugs thinking it’s just a bit of fun but it can have tragic consequences.

“If just one person stops taking these drugs, then Sherie-Lea’s death will be some use.”

Addressing the family, she added: “I hope you remember the memories of Sherie-Lea when she was alive.”

Two men, a 19-year-old from South Ockendon and a 29-year-old man from London, were arrested in connection with the police investigation.

They face no further action in respect of manslaughter, but the Crown Prosecution Service is currently looking whether to bring charges of unlawful supply.

Giving evidence, detective inspector Stephen Jennings, from Essex police’s serious crime directorate, said: “There were two arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but they were not charged in respect of manslaughter.

“The Crown Prosecution Service are also looking whether to bring charges of unlawful supply – that is currently with them.

“The MDMA was considerably high but that along with the combination of cocaine was the cause of death.”

Shortly after Sherie-Lea’s birth, doctors discovered she had potentially deadly liver cancer.

She was in hospital for two years, and following a year of chemotherapy, at just 20 months, she had the country’s fastest liver transplant lasting just 45 minutes in July 2002.

The liver was donated by a Spanish child who died shortly after birth. It was flown over by the RAF.

At the time of her death her heartbroken family were planning Sherie-Lea’s dream trip away to America following her GCSEs.

Ms McGann ended the inquest by telling the family that Sherie-Lea was “clearly loved.”