A woman who claimed she was forced into prostitution and theft in Bradford to pay a Drugs debt has died of a brain haemorrhage while in prison.

Georgina Metcalfe, 26, of North Parade, Skipton, was convicted of theft by Skipton magistrates on Christmas Eve and after arriving at New Hall Prison, Flockton, North Yorkshire, to serve a six week sentence, she became ill..

She was later transferred to Pinderfield Hospital, Wakefield, where she died on New Year's Day.

Her funeral took place at Skipton's Christ Church yesterday, followed by burial at Waltonwrays cemetery, Skipton.

Georgina's mother Angela has revealed how her daughter's life was ruined by drugs.

A former Skipton Aireville School student, Georgina had a daughter six years ago, but because of her drug habit, the child was given up for adoption.

Georgina's mother said: "Georgie had to face a lot of sadness. Drugs destroyed her life. Sometimes when I spoke to her it was like speaking to a shell.

"She was easily led but she would do anything for anybody.

"She loved to laugh and dance but couldn't bare people crying.

"It's very sad."

In August, Miss Metcalfe was sentenced by Skipton magistrates to 12 months community rehabilitation with a condition she attended a drugs counselling programme.

She had admitted three charges of theft, deception, forgery and failing to surrender to custody.

Her solicitor, John Mewies of Skipton, told magistrates she had been kidnapped at Skipton railway station and taken to Bradford by people to whom she had a drugs debt.

She claimed she was forced to turn to theft and to work as a prostitute in the Lumb Lane area.

An inquest was opened in Wakefield by West Yorkshire Cor-oner David Hinchliff and adjourned pending further inquiries.