THE family of missing British backpacker Melody O’Gara are convinced she has started a new life in a cult.
Melody’s father Hugh and brother Kevin revealed their belief as they arrived yesterday in Sydney, where the 28-year-old vanished more than two weeks ago.
They dismissed police theories that she committed suicide by leaping off a cliff.
And they said Melody may have decided to follow the teachings of German Eckhart Tolle, who believes people can find fulfilment by dumping their past.
A Tolle book was found among Melody’s belongings and she was said to be at a low ebb after a year’s working holiday in Australia.
Tearful Mr O’Gara, of Bolton, Lancs, said: “Melody had been promoting it to friends and it’s possible she decided to discover her spiritual side.”
He added there were cults that could help Melody disappear — and begged anyone sheltering her to contact cops.