??/??/?? - Night club company boss resigns

THE COMPANY which owns Raquel's nightclub has denied the resignation of its boss is connected to the death of Lean Betts.

Managing director of European Leisure Mike Sweepland left his office at the company's headquarters in Leicestershire last week. But chief executive Ian Rock told a reporter there was no direct link to Leah's death although he admitted it had caused extra stress for Mr Sweepland.

Mr Rock said: "He left for personal reasons and to pursue other interests. He has four small children and we run a nationwide business much of which is conducted at night." When asked about the effect of Leah's death, he added: "It certainly wouldn't ease the pressure but it has no direct relevance whatsoever."

Mr Sweepland had to handle a barrage of inquiries from the media, as well as police, after the death of Leah last November. Leah died at her 18th birthday party in Latchingdon after taking an Ecstasy tablet bought at the club, in Market Square, Basildon.

Stephen Smith, of Weymarks, Basildon, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, were remanded on bail at Southend Magistrates Court on January 10 charged with supplying the tablet to Leah.

The number of clubbers going to Raquel's dropped sharply after Leah's death and the club is now closed indefinitely. Mr Rock said: "Obviously, the level of trade declined. We are weighing up lots of different ways of developing it."

The club was due to shut for refurbishment this year and it was decided to close when it became clear police might revoke its licence. PC Andy Ford, in the licensing unit at Pitsea police station, said: "It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the licence could be withdrawn.

We are in discussions with the club's owners at the moment."