A joint crackdown on drugs is being planned by the parents of tragic Leah Betts and TV star Billy Murray.

The move comes only days after the actor - Det Sgt Don Beech in the Bill - was acquitted of beating up two junkies who introduced his 14-year-old daughter to drugs.

Now Mr Murray has offered to team up with Paul and Jan Betts, whose daughter died after taking Ecstasy at her 18th birthday party three years ago.

Paul said: "I welcome the move to team up with Mr Murray. We have a mutual interest in fighting the evils of drugs. My daughter died after getting involved with drugs and his daughter could have gone the same way.

"Jan and I have never met Mr Murray, but we would be happy to get together with him some time in the New Year."

Mr Murray was cleared at Basildon Crown Court of assault after he denied beating up two men.

His daughter, who was taking Ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis, has since been taken away from the family home at Herongate, Brentwood, to shield her from the temptation of drugs.

Mr Murray, 57, said: "If I can lend my name to help the Betts family then I will do so - all they have to do is give me a call.

"My wife and I went through hell, but at least we got our daughter back before it was too late. It is of the utmost importance that everyone knows about the dangers of drugs."

It is the same message the Betts' have been strenuously giving out since the death of Leah, who took an Ecstasy tablet bought in Basildon.

They have set up a Leah Betts Helpline - Action for Drugs Awareness - and travel around the country promoting their anti-drugs message.

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