Drug-dealing gran flees

Diane Gibson went on the run before she could be sentenced

A drug-dealing grandmother has skipped bail while awaiting sentence for her crimes.

Police across Europe are hunting 65-year-old Diane Gibson, who was convicted of possession of £250,000 of crack cocaine which they believe may have ended up on the streets of Bristol.

She was one of a gang of five drug dealers caught in an operation by the National Crime Squad.

When officers stopped her car she had three kilos of the drug in the boot.

She was convicted at Bristol Crown Court, but was given bail and she disappeared before being sentenced.

Changed appearance

The police say Ms Gibson has a long criminal record - including assaulting officers.

Detective Constable Paul Kerod said: "Given the offences she has been convicted of, she is a very evil, wicked woman - trading in Class A drugs which are the scourge of society."

It is thought she may be in the Yate area, where she is known to have a lot of connections, but there have also been sightings of her in Spain.

The police say they think she may have changed her appearance, but are asking people to look out for her both in Bristol and on their holidays in Spain.