A desperate woman stole food after her benefits were stopped.

Rachel Anderson, of Rochester Road in Batley, appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.

She admitted stealing groceries from a Co-op in the town on December 8.

Prosecutor Alex Bozman said Anderson picked up various items including sweets and coffee.

She stuffed these into her handbag and left the store without paying.

The theft was witnessed by a member of staff who called police.

The 38-year-old was detained nearby and the goods – worth £49 – were recovered.

Anderson asked magistrates to also take into account two other supermarket thefts.

Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said that at the time of the offences his client had received no money for eight weeks.

He said Anderson’s benefits were sanctioned when she was unable to look for work after attending the funeral of her best friend’s mother.

Mr Whiteley said: “She was left in a situation where she did not know what to do and she took the items.”

Magistrates gave her a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Anderson must still pay £15 victim surcharge.