MACHETE thug Jonathan Kelly who went on the run a year ago may have died of a drug overdose.

Police insiders believe the wanted man turned to drugs, including heroin, after his release from prison.

Sources believe this could be one explanation for his disappearance.

And while Kelly may be out of sight, he is never out of mind for Glasgow police officers.

Each morning, officers are reminded to be on the look out for the fugitive at a daily briefing.

Police are working "round the clock" to find him, but detectives have admitted they are no closer to catching the fugitive.

There has not been a single sighting of Kelly, 34, since he went on the run on September 10 last year.

And now some insiders' believe that Kelly, from Drumchapel, may be dead.

One source close to the investigation, said: "Kelly was using drugs again, we think that's why he went on the run in the first place.

"It's possible he has taken an overdose and has died.

"It is unheard of for someone to completely drop off the radar like this, there hasn't been a single sighting for a year.

"It would be hard to believe he is still out there, alive and well."

Volent Kelly had breached one of his 32 strict release conditions and was set to be returned to jail - for at least another decade.

He faced a long stretch, with no release until 2024 at the earliest.

Detective Inspector David Stewart said: "Jonathan Kelly remains unlawfully at large one year on from when he was last seen following his release from Low Moss prison.

"A group of dedicated officers continue to work on this enquiry and we would welcome any new information from members of the public that could help us find him.

"Jonathan Kelly is currently featured on the Most Wanted section of the Police Scotland website and several images of him have been circulated in the media."

Kelly uses a number of aliases including Donald Cameron, John Kerr, and Jonathan Donnelly.

The serial criminal - who has a horrific record of violent offences - has spent most of his life in jail.

And he was free for less than three weeks before going on the run last year.

Police believe Kelly - one of Scotland's most wanted man - is receiving help to evade police from a network of associates.

They have repeatedly urged anyone helping the 34-year-old to give him up.

Kelly has also been named on Crimestoppers' hit list of dangerous criminals on the run.

The crime charity is offering a £5000 reward for information which leads to his arrest.

Kelly has a string of convictions for violence and has boasted about the machete attack.

The Evening Times previously revealed Kelly was acquitted of nine charges at the High Court in Glasgow on August 21.

We also revealed how sources close to the fugitive said he was "pure evil."

DI Stewart said: "Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of £5000 to anyone who provides information that leads him being traced.

"If anyone has information on Jonathan Kelly’s whereabouts they should contact police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 where all calls will remain anonymous."

The only possible break in the case came just days after he was last seen.

Armed police responded to a reported sighting of him and sealed off part of Boyd Street in Govanhill.

But following a day-long armed siege, the thug was nowhere to be found.