When 35-year old mother Lucy missed an interview at the job centre, her disability benefits were stopped, leaving her, her partner and 18-month old toddler without anything to live on. She went to her local supermarket and stole a chicken and some soap powder. Two weeks later, she was up before the magistrate. Her police interview noted that she said, ‘sorry to the shop, but had no money and was in a desperate situation.’ She was ordered to pay compensation, a fine, costs and a surcharge: a total of over £200, despite the precipitating factor being that she had no money. Her solicitor says her chief worry was that the social services might find out and take away her baby.