Pubdate: Sun, 09 Jan 2000 Date: 01/09/2000 Source: Observer, The (UK) Author: Lorraine Hewitt Authors: Lorraine Hewitt Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n004/a01.html This prosecution against Ruth and John Brock (Comment, last week) was brought and vicious sentences imposed under the 'Premises' section of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which makes it a criminal offence for third parties knowingly to permit heroin or cannabis use in their property. This section was never intended to snare hapless parents, unaware landlords or altruistic social workers and urgently needs revising. Drug use and exchange is common and hard to control in NHS wards, in prisons, in hostels and specialists' services. The majority of senior staff in these disparate settings at some time will have made Ruth Wyner's choice, to impose sanctions but not to report infractions to the police. Indeed for many years it has been seen as good practice for agencies to maintain strategic liaison with local police in return for which the police do not harass them. This judgment unilaterally undermines future co-operation between police and care services. Lorraine Hewitt South London and Maudsley NHS Trust London SW9