Benefit mum: I’m begging to fund Xmas

PLEA Annette Hodges A MUM struggling on Universal Credit went begging on the streets saying she needed cash to buy a tree for her daughter, aged one.

Jobless Annette Hodges, 27, wanted £12 to give daughter Amy the treat.

She took a 20-mile train trip without paying yesterday – landing a £20 fine – from home in Liskeard, Cornwall, to beg in Plymouth, Devon.

Annette said: “I’ve come so I can put money on my electric and get £12 for a Christmas tree from B&M. This is my first Christmas with my daughter.”

She said she had not had backdated Universal Credit and, out of £600 a month, had to find £425 rent and £70 for fuel bills.

She said: “Life is really hard, really hard.”