In recent years, there is a new drug which has gathered attention called “Monkey Dust” which is a cause for concern in Family Court proceedings, especially in the Staffordshire area where the drug is more prevalent. In her latest blog Family Law Solicitor, Melissa Knight discusses what Monkey Dust is and the effect it can have on Family Court proceedings ...
The term “toxic trio” is often a key concept used in safeguarding and is made up of three areas of concern: - domestic abuse, poor mental health, and substance misuse. Both drug and alcohol use can have a detrimental impact on one’s ability to parent a child safely.
What Is Monkey Dust?
The scientific name for Monkey Dust is Methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP). It falls under a category of drugs called as synthetic cathinones and has a bath salt style appearance. It is a very powerful drug which can have dangerous consequences for its users. Examples of the side effects of taking this drug is that it can lead to hallucinations, aggression, paranoia, psychosis and increased energy levels. Some users have taken to jumping from height whilst under the influence and have described feeling “fearless” and “superhuman” strength. Staffordshire University is currently undertaking forensic research to determine whether all users are likely to exhibit such behaviours or just a minority of users. Further testing is taking place to establish what other chemicals and substances that the drug is being mixed with.
Despite its catastrophic impacts, Money Dust is currently a class B drug and has been illegal since 2016. It is quite a cheap drug on the street market and is also on the rise within prisons. According to research undertaken by a Local Authority, it can be bought on the streets for as little as £2.
Testing In Family Court Proceedings
Caring for a child whilst under the influence of Monkey Dust can lead to a risk of significant harm including placing that child in dangerous situations, exposure to erratic behaviours and impaired judgment of the user. Due to Monkey Dust being linked to increased aggression and violent behaviours, this can also increase the risk of a child being exposed to domestic abuse. If a Local Authority is of the view that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm, then they are able to issue court proceedings to apply for an interim care or supervision order to safeguard the child.
Furthermore, the drug increases the chance of users engaging in other criminal activities. Staffordshire Police have reported that on average they are dealing with approximately 11 crimes a day associated with the drug.
In care proceedings, quite often the Court will order drug and alcohol testing of parents to ascertain the levels of drug and alcohol use if this is an issue which is impacting safe care being afforded to a child. This usually can include hair strand and blood testing which can evidence use nine months prior to the substance being taken or consumed. Due to the rise of Monkey Dust, this is a substance which many expert drug and alcohol testing companies are now able to include as part of their testing services despite the high caused by the drug lasting for up to 12 hours.
The rise of Monkey Dust and its growing influence on family court cases is a matter of grave concern, especially in Stoke-on-Trent which has been described as facing a “Monkey Dust epidemic” . The impact that this substance has on users and their families has created an urgent need for rehabilitation, awareness, education and prevention. Local MPs are also taking action to try and reclassify the drug as a Class A substance.
How Can Timms Help?
If you require any further legal advice in respect of the impact of substance and alcohol misuse on family court proceedings, then please contact a member of our Family Law team by calling 01283 561531.
