A mother is advocating for urgent law reform in South Australia following her daughter's death from a drug overdose. The daughter, Amy Bowden, 26, died on February 8, 2024, at her Redwood Park home due to "mixed drug toxicity."
Ms. Bowden's boyfriend, Ethan Lenny George Ross, 29, has pleaded guilty to administering a drug to Ms. Bowden on February 7. Ross is not charged in connection with Ms. Bowden's death. Court proceedings revealed that Ms. Bowden was unconscious for approximately 24 hours before Ross contacted emergency services.
Michelle Sposito, Ms. Bowden's mother, stated her intention to call upon the South Australian government to introduce legislation that would hold individuals criminally responsible for failing to contact emergency services during a medical emergency. She noted that similar laws, such as negligent manslaughter and fail-to-rescue provisions, exist in other Australian states and territories. Ms. Sposito also requested a strengthening of bail and home detention provisions.
During a pre-sentence hearing in South Australia's District Court, a toxicology report indicated that Ms. Bowden had multiple drugs, including heroin, methadone, and methylamphetamine, in her system. The report suggested that the concentrations of methylamphetamine alone would present a low risk of death through direct poisoning.
Prosecutor Amy Davis informed the court that Ross had sent text messages to associates while Ms. Bowden was unconscious, detailing various reasons for administering methamphetamine. One message on February 7 reportedly stated, "I'll make sure this b**** is so grateful." Ross's barrister, James Marcus, cited his client's potential for rehabilitation and personal history, including early exposure to drug use.
The state government issued a statement expressing sympathies to Ms. Bowden's family, noting that it would not comment on a matter currently before the courts but would continue to monitor the case. Ross is scheduled for sentencing later this month.