A pregnant former prostitute who’s hooked on heroin and crack and begging for change has hit out at people who judge her.
Mother-of-two Tracey Whelan, 42, from Chapeltown, moved away from Harehills to "get away from the drugs" and turn a new leaf. But she found herself stuck back in the bustling Leeds suburb, begging for change to afford a bus back home to Halifax.
She’s sick of people insulting her, calling her derogatory names which poke fun at her 26-year addiction. Tracey developed her addiction when she was working as a prostitute, just trying to make ends meet.
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Tracey Whelan said: “They call me a crackhead, dirty s*** and a smackhead. I’m in agony. You shouldn’t judge people, it’s not right. I don’t bother anyone.”
Tracey said she associated with “bad people” when she acted 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 prostitute 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.
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