TRAGIC Gemma Adams' death after a descent into drug addiction has come as a chilling reminder to one Ipswich mother who lost two daughters to their habit.

TRAGIC Gemma Adams' death after a descent into drug addiction has come as a chilling reminder to one Ipswich mother who lost two daughters to their habit.

Carole Purnell's 19-year-old daughter Andrea died 12 years ago after becoming addicted to heroin, while older daughter, Debbie, 36, died in January after succumbing to a crack habit.

Mrs Purnell said reading of the tragedy struck a chord and she called for tougher sentences on dealers, adding: ““These kids are dying and the dealers are laughing. The families are left to deal with all this.”

She said: “Gemma's body being found touched so many people, people like me who didn't even know her.

“Debbie and Andrea got involved in drugs and it's a lonely road to go down, which nearly always has a sad ending.

“I hear that Gemma had a proper job, but give her drugs and look at the change in her. It's the start of a downward spiral.

“We need to be tougher on dealers, there need to be stricter sentences.

“These people deal in death.”

The naked body of Miss Adams, 25, was discovered in a brook in Hintlesham on Saturday.

The prostitute, of Blenheim Road, Ipswich, had been missing since November 15.

Mrs Purnell said the need to secure her next fix also led daughter Andrea into a life of crime.

She said: “Most addicts are not working in proper jobs.

“Andrea started off smoking dope with her friends and then she started getting introduced to harder stuff.

“It is so addictive. She had to get the money to buy drugs so she started stealing to feed her habit. In the end, she went to prison for theft.

“She had been out of prison for a week when she overdosed and died.

“I know what Gemma's family are going through. Unless you have been through it, you will never know how it feels to be told your daughter has died.”