A former history teacher and artist who went on the run from police after admitting to dealing cocaine has been urged to hand herself in.
Angela Davey, 38, is wanted by police after she failed to appear at her sentencing hearing on Monday.
She previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine after being snared by an undercover drugs operation.
But today (wed) family and friends have made a desperate appeal for Angela to give herself up to the authorities.
A family member, who did not want to be named, said: “Angela went from being a bright, well-educated person to somebody who the last time she was seen, was sleeping in a shop doorway in Norwich.
“She’s hopelessly addicted to drugs.”
The relative said he feared he would not get his daughter back, adding: “Her brain has changed.”
He said: “Everybody wants her to just come in so we can help her to deal with the situation.”
A 39-year-old childhood friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, told local media that Angela was an “incredibly intelligent” woman.
Angela, from Norwich, Norfolk, is reported to have studied history at university and trained as a teacher before working at Hewett Academy in Norwich, and then moved to work at a special needs school.
She is believed to have bought a house with her husband, with whom she had two children.
However, friends told a local newspaper her life took a sharp turn for the worse after her marriage broke down.
She is said to have met a man on the dating app Tinder, and soon became embroiled in the world of drugs.
Her friend said: “If she continues in this lifestyle she will die.”
She added that prison could be the only way to save her from potential death.
The former teacher reportedly ended up living in a camper van, before resorting to sleeping in a tent near a footpath.
The new occupant of a semi-detached property in Norwich, where Angela is believed to have lived 18 months ago, said that rubbish and drug needles were left at the home.
The 40-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, also said that children’s things and artwork were also left there.
Speaking to local press, she said: “To think a life could go downhill so quickly.”
Davey has links in Thrapston, in Northamptonshire and may also have travelled to London.
Anyone who may have seen Angela Davey, or knows of her whereabouts, should contact Norfolk Police on 101.
by Tommy Lumby