On 27th June 2018, Bernard Rebelo was convicted of placing unsafe food (Dinitrophenol) on the market and of the gross negligent manslaughter of Eloise Parry.
Richard Barraclough KC prosecuted.
Case Details
A student at Glyndwr University died after taking eight diet pills, containing dinitrophenol (DNP), supplied by Bernard Rebelo. Eloise Parry, 21, relied on hospital treatment several times for the side effects of the tablets. With a history of mental health problems, including bulimia and a borderline personality disorder, Eloise began taking the pills in February 2015, quickly becoming addicted.
DNP has been declared unfit for human consumption in the US since 1938, causing weight loss through converting energy into heat. It is a highly toxic substance when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, but Rebelo purchased the chemicals from China, bypassing the FSA and other authorities, and made the capsules to be sold online. Rebelo denied manslaughter, saying that although he sold the pills to Eloise there was a warning about DNP on his website. However, he has been told to expect a lengthy sentence.
Eloise Parry’s sister, Rebecca, told the trial that her sister was “focused” on losing weight prior to her death, and that she seemed “too enchanted by her weight loss to acknowledge how unhealthy she was getting”. According to a statement read to the court, Rebecca was with Eloise on 11 April, the evening before she died, leaving her at about 9pm. The next day, Rebecca noticed that her sister had binged on food before taking the pills.
Hours before her death, Eloise Parry texted her university lecturer saying,
“I took another four when I woke and I started vomiting soon after. I think I am going to die.
“No one is known to survive if they vomit after taking DNP. I am so scared.”
Rebelo’s Harrow flat was searched by police and Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said, “This sets a precedent that we can now prosecute people for selling pesticides, like DNP, online as a slimming agent.”
Rebelo was sentenced to seven years in jail.
Richard Barraclough KC Practice Overview
Richard Barraclough KC is a Common Lawyer whose vast experience in civil and criminal matters has been acquired over more than 30 years of practice.
What the Directories say…
“His presence in court is second to none”
The Legal 500 [2015]
“He has a very commanding presence in court that the jury could not fail to notice” “He is an outstanding barrister. He makes clients believe that he is on their side and that he is in there for them”
Chambers UK Bar Guide [2015]
“Commentators speakhighly of his fantastic perfromance in court. His mixed defence and prosecution practice encompasses all serious criminal cases, and in particular complex murders” “He has a very distinctive, deep voice, which is
“Recommended for the prosecution and defence of serious crime”
The Legal 500 [2014]
Appointments
- Fellow of the University of Hull Wilberforce Institute
- Master of the Bench (Inner Temple)
- Legal Advisor to the General Medical Council and the General Dental Council
- Former Chairman of the Bar Council’s Disability Committee
- Teacher of advocacy at the Inner Temple
Education
MA (Oxon)
Clients
Richard has acted for major construction and transport companies including London Underground and Transport for London, car manufacturers, factories, railways, hospitals, schools, insurers and local authorities as well as individuals from company directors to diplomats sons, anti-terrorist officers contract killers, gangs and psychopaths.
He prosecutes and defends in major criminal matters.
Practice
- Civil and commercial advice and litigation including bankruptcy, contracts, trusts, wills, land, leases and employment;
- Exploitation and Modern-day Slavery;
- Serious Crime (Mainly murder, fraud and abuse);
- Civil fraud;
- Proceeds of crime;
- Death and catastrophic personal injury however cause;
- Regulatory crime, local authority law and policy, consumer law, licensing and Coroners Courts;
- Environmental crime and planning enforcement;
- Professional including medical negligence;
- Transport Commissioners.
Richard is a recognised expert in jury trials and has been involved in a series of high profile murder, fraud, consumer protection, child abuse and rape cases. He is equally at home as an advocate before judges and disciplinary tribunals. He is expert in the handling of vulnerable witnesses and defendants and is a trained facilitator in relation to the process.
