An unemployed mum-of-two stole chicken from a supermarket because she was hungry, a court heard today.

Mum Marie Marsham, 36, from Abbotsbury Road, Morden, took the chicken worth £19 from the Sainsbury’s store on London Road, Morden yesterday.

The crime was spotted by the shop’s security guards, who called the police. She was taken to Wimbledon Police Station where she admitted a charge of theft.

Appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court this morning, Ms Marsham pleaded guilty and said that the crime had been an impulsive action.

The court heard that the mum-of-two was hungry and struggling to support herself on her existing benefit payments.

She was ordered to pay £100 or spend a day in custody.