A pregnant mum who developed a drug addiction during her time as a sex worker has hit back at people who judge her.
Tracey Whelan, 42, had previously moved away from Harehills in Leeds, once known as home to the city's most dangerous street, to turn over a new leaf and "get away from drugs".
However, speaking to LeedsLive, she was stuck back in the problem suburn, and was begging for change for a bus back home to Halifax.
Mum-of-two Tracey told how she is sick and tired of people insulting her and calling her derogatory names as a result of her 26-year-long struggle with addiction.
She opened up about how she became addicted to drugs while working as a sex worker in an attempt to get by, but has now been the subject of a sustained barrage of abuse from strangers.
“They call me a crackhead, dirty s*** and a smackhead," she said, "I’m in agony. You shouldn’t judge people, it’s not right. I don’t bother anyone.”
Tracey explained that she had associated with "bad people" while acting as a sex worker around the Harehills and Chapeltown areas.
The middle-aged mum moved away from Leeds and has mothered two children, eight and 26.
Tracey said: “I used to live in Harehills but I moved away to get away from the drugs. I’ve got two kids and I’m pregnant now.”
Harehills has been described as a “holiday resort” for street-drinkers by West Yorkshire Police, who are committed to cracking down on the anti-social behaviour after being granted increased powers to take action in the area.
Tracey distances herself from the street-drinkers, making assurances that she doesn’t drink and calls their anti-social behaviour “disgusting”.
The former sex worker said: “I don’t drink, it’s disgusting. They’re falling all over and causing trouble. I take heroin and crack, I’ve been addicted for years – 26 years.
“I got involved with bad people, prostitutes, and people like that. I used to do it myself, in Harehills and Chapeltown.”
If you have concerns for someone begging, you can report it here . Leeds charities which can be contacted include Forward Leeds, St. Anne's Resource Centre, St. George's Crypt and York Street Health Practice.
