“Her former partner walked out on that family two years ago without leaving behind a single dollar of financial support,” I told Judge Lawson.

“Rebecca cleans office buildings down on commercial avenue every night, yet her earnings barely cover the rent and electric bills, leaving almost nothing left over to feed those growing kids.”

Clarence lowered his head completely and closed his eyes as though he were experiencing physical pain from my disclosure.

“Brenda, I am begging you to stop this right now,” Clarence whispered in a hoarse voice that cracked with emotion.

“Those items Clarence took from the market were never kept inside his own cupboards or closets,” I declared to the magistrate.