A woman has become the first named drug user in the UK to have fallen ill after taking the flesh-eating drug krokodil.
Emma Davies, 41, is said to have suffered open sores after injecting herself with the drug, which originated in Russia.
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Davies was so sick after abusing the substance that she was unable to attend Cheltenham Magistrates Court last August because she was being treated at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
The court heard that she had developed 'a rather unpleasant blood infection' caused by 'large ulcers on her arms'.
The scientific name for the drug is desomorphine. However, it makes the user's skin appear grey and scaly - like that of a crocodile - which led to it being given its street name.
Krokodil is often made from over-the-counter drugs - including headache tablets such as codeine - and cooked.
It can also be mixed with paint thinner, red phosphorous and lighter fluid - unsurprisingly, this list of potential ingredients means the physical effects are truly awful.
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Those abusing the highly-addictive drug go on to develop skin ulcerations, infections and even gangrene - turning users into motionless 'zombies'.
The addict, who hails from Tredworth, Gloucestershire, has now been able to appear at court, where she admitted to theft.
Her lawyer, Clare Buckley, told the court that Davies had suffered with addiction for many years, which led to her having two heart attacks last year, as well as a stroke, Hepatitis C and deep vein thrombosis.
She was also said to have scarred lungs, an enlarged spleen and recently recovered from MRSA.
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The barrister told the court: "She wants to move forward with her life. She wants a script [a prescription for rehabilitation].
"She is aware if she continues the way she is going she will meet an early demise, which would be very sad."
Davies was in court after she and another woman, Marsha Woodwart, were caught shoplifting more than £900 worth of goods from three shops.
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Mrs Buckley claimed Woodwart had been 'bullying' Davies and forcing her to hand over her benefits.
She also told the court that Woodwart had stolen most of the items from the shop and continued, despite Davies telling her to 'slow down'.
Mrs Buckley went on: "Miss Davies was going to swap the items for drugs and food.
"This was the first occasion she felt remorse for her actions as she was due to start a drug rehab programme the next day."
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Mrs Buckley then said the defendant had been living with other drug users in unsuitable accommodation at the time of the offence.
She added that Davies has since moved into a new home with 'a man of good character'.
Davies was given a 12-month community order including 30 rehab days, and was ordered to pay £220.
Woodwart was put on a six-month rehab programme and given a fine at an earlier previous court date.
This cautionary tale probably tells you everything you need to know about the drug - avoid at all costs.
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