THE grandmother of a man held "morally responsible" for his son’s death has jumped to his defence.

Ena Packer, whose grandson Shaun Packer pleaded guilty to supplying his son Danny with a Class A drug in November 2003, says they have been through hell and back because he was forced to plead guilty.

Danny, 18, died the next day when he crashed his car along Marine Parade in Sheerness.

"Shaun had the choice of pleading not guilty and going to prison if found guilty, or pleading guilty and getting a lighter sentence," Mrs Packer, 84, said.

On passing sentence, the judge said he was morally responsible for his son’s death.

"It broke my heart to hear the judge say those things to him. I think it is about time someone spoke up for my Shaun. He was in no way responsible for his son’s death, morally or otherwise.

"Danny knew what drugs were, no-one held a gun to his head and said do drugs or drink."

Packer was given an 18-month Drug Treatment and Testing Order, and after two reviews he has twice tested positive for drugs.

"I can’t understand that. He has been clean and has tested negative before. My Shaun is trying so hard, he really wants to change,” she added.

"The only reason he got into drugs in the first place was that he started hanging around with the wrong crowd."

Packer, 40, who has six children has been living with his grandmother in Victoria Street, Sheerness, on and off all his life.

"I just want people to know the truth and give him a chance," she added.