A woman stole washing detergent after her mother-in-law took almost all of her money, a court heard.

Susan Anne Scotchford, 31, of Winston Road, Strood, claimed she was forced to steal washing tablets and chocolate after her partner’s mother took most of her benefit for rent.

She appeared before Medway Magistrates charged with two counts of shoplifting at Tesco Express, in Frindsbury Road, Strood, and a newsagent. She had another two offences taken into consideration by the bench.

Deborah Slater, defending, said: “Last year she came completely drug free and her life has turned around.

“Since then she continues to live with her partner at his mother’s house and that appears to be a significant problem.

“She gives her mother-in-law so much money that she is left with about £3 per week. Her mother-in-law is so domineering that she has no choice other than to comply.”

The court heard that Scotchford, who has been drug free for the past year, reverted back to her old life of shoplifting after becoming desperate for clean clothes and food.

Ms Slater added: “She wasn’t allowed to use the washing machine at home and she had to have clean clothes.

“She is allergic to the type her mother-in-law uses.”

Scotchford, said: “If I don’t pay her she will chuck me out on the streets. I am going to the council and finding out about getting somewhere with them.”

She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a total of £102.15, in compensation, court costs and a victim surcharge.