Star Comment: Good can come out of Jamie Penn tragedy

Certainly, he was not stepping outside of the law. His drug of choice was a so-called legal high, a curious term that describes narcotics that are too modern and sophisticated to have yet found their way on to a prohibition list.

It is almost certain that Jamie would not have imagined he would lose his life as a result of seeking temporary escapism. He would have felt fearless and infallible: all young people do.

And yet lose his life is precisely what happened. Jamie became another statistic, further evidence that legal highs are dangerous and have unpredictable consequences.

His young life was cut tragically short as the dreadful cocktail of chemicals that entered his blood stream had profound and inreversibly tragic consequences.

Jamie's story might well end there. And yet his sister, Chalotte Delo, has other ideas. She is determined that her beloved brother's life should not have been lost in vain. She is committed to turning a tragedy into a force for good.

While it might be easier to retreat quietly into the shadows as she grieves her loss, she has embarked upon a course of action that is precisely the opposite.

Charlotte is ensuring the regulation of legal highs, which needs tackling as a matter of urgency, is on the national agenda.

Her views will garner a lot of sympathy – to lose a brother in such circumstances is terrible.

The current lack of clarity on the issue means more deaths are likely unless firm action is taken and loopholes are not closed.

For Charlotte, one can only imagine the frustration she feels: no-one can be prosecuted for her brother's death because the drug was legal.

The fact that this issue is now being discussed in parliament is a sign of progress. It means that those in power are beginning to understand this complex yet hugely important issue.

In Shropshire, Charlotte's story has prompted a re-think on the issue of legal highs from the Telford MP, Lucy Allan. That is encouraging; if one politician can be won over, others may follow. Urgent action is needed to ensure no more lives are lost.