A mum from Hull who was training to become a lawyer has tragically died after falling into drug use, including the toxic chemical spice.
Former Hull University law student Nicola Little was described as "intelligent and loving", pretty, bright and a dedicated mum - yet her drug addiction proved too difficult to overcome.
An inquest in Hull heard Nicola, 46, had worked for Hull City Council as a housing officer and business support officer, when she died at the Crossings homeless hostel, after taking a lethal drug cocktail of Spice and high levels of methadone.
In a moving tribute to her daughter, Nicola's mum explained how she had so much to live for.
Her mum told Hull Live : “Nicola has one brother who she remained very close to.
"She was always sporty when she was younger and loved football, going to games with her dad and brother.
"Our relationship was strong but it could be difficult as she struggled with drugs."
Nicola was diagnosed with a rare blood condition, and tried to balance her work life with having children - but having such a large family entailed sacrifices.
Her mum said: “Nicola raised her children really well. She was interested in law and worked as a paralegal for five or six years before the practice closed.
"She then studied law at the University of Hull but she was also working and raising three children at the time so she could not complete her course.
“She worked in the legal department at Hull City Council for around 12 years.
"But she was off sick quite a lot and then she began taking more drugs and she eventually had to quit.
“I gave her money but when I realised it was going on drugs and not the essentials I stopped.
"It was only in the last four years or so that she had a big problem with drugs and she could just not come off them.”
Nicola's mum revealed how her daughter was attacked two years previously, after going on a date, which affected her badly.
She recalled seeing Nicola the day before she died.
Her mum said: “She looked genuinely really well, the best I had seen her in a while. She really seemed to be trying to get back on track and was really happy.
“Nicola was too trusting but she loved her children and they loved her. She would do anything for anyone.
"She was clever, hard working and very pretty. Nicola was such a loving person.”
Nicola had consumed a significant amount of Spice and methadone, toxicology results revealed, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine and forbidden painkillers.
The post-mortem concluded her death was due to drug poisoning.
A support worker at The Crossings homeless hostel in Great Union Street in Hull said that in April 2 last year she knocked on the door to Nicola’s room to check she was okay.
When there was no answer she went inside and found Nicola lying between the bed and the chest of drawers.
She was unresponsive so the support worker called for an ambulance but the inquest heard there was nothing they could do.
The toxicology report flagged up the concerns over the use of highly toxic chemical drug Spice, warning that it’s effects were “unpredictable“ owing to the variety of chemicals found which are not subject to any regulation.
Area coroner Lorraine Harris concluded Nicola’s death was ‘drug related’ and issued a warning about the dangers of Spice.
She said: “I find Nicola was an intelligent woman who worked hard to support her family. But she had a history of substance abuse.
“I see no evidence of any intention to commit suicide but those trying to get clean can find the drugs they take become more toxic.
"I also take into account the issues over Spice which is a synthetic cannabinoid which can be very dangerous.
“I offer my very sincere condolences to Nicola’s family. It’s evident to me how much she was loved surrounded by a large family all who she had a good relationship with.
“She loved, not just her only children, but also her nephews and nieces.
“This is a tragic end to the young life of a warm, intelligent and hard working woman who struggled with substance abuse.”
