PALACE GUARD JAILED OVER DRUG DEATH

The friend of a Buckingham Palace guardsman was yesterday jailed for his
part in supplying drugs which killed him.

Gareth Holland, 20, collapsed and died last year within five hours of
taking ecstasy tablets at a nightclub while on weekend leave.

His colleague Matthew Diggle, 22, admitted his involvement in getting the
drugs.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Ptes Holland and Diggle travelled from their
homes in South Wales to enjoy a night out in Swansea. Pte Holland swallowed
two ecstasy pills and amphetamines at a club.

He was taken to the club's "chill out" room to recover after overheating
but later died before he reached hospital.

Earlier this week Diggle, of Rhymney, Mid Glamorgan, appeared with Russell
Thomas, 30, of Clos Llws Pen, Penpedairheol, Mid Glamorgan, who admitted
supplying drugs to both soldiers.

Yesterday, Diggle was jailed for two years. Thomas was sentenced for
three-and-a-half years.