WENDY Parsons stole a leg of lamb from a Darwen store so she could pay for her seven year old son to go on a school trip.

Blackburn magistrates heard it was an act of desperation by Parsons who had no money after her benefits were stopped through no fault of her own.

Parsons, 33, of Wood Vale, Darwen, pleaded guilty to stealing a leg of lamb worth £15 from Sainsbury's. The magistrates ordered the preparation of pre sentence reports after hearing that it was Parsons' fourth shoplifting offence this year.

Wendy Shackleton, prosecuting, said Parsons was already banned from Sainsbury's and she was recognised by an assistant who followed her out of the shop.

Parsons was carrying a child's jacket and the leg of lamb was concealed up the sleeve.

Miss Shackleton said that in March Parsons had been put on probation for 18 months for offences of shoplifting.

Julian Peers, defending, said the offence had been born out of desperation. Prior to being put on probation Parsons had spent two weeks remanded in custody but her partner had continued claiming benefit for all the family. As a result all benefits had been stopped two weeks ago and the family had no income.

"Her son was due to go on a school trip on the last Friday of this month and she was under pressure to ensure he could go," said Mr Peers.

"She was desperate to ensure that Jordan was not left out when his classmates were going to be enjoying themselves on the trip."