Similarly, the defence of necessity was not allowed to a homeless person in a civil case involving trespass to unoccupied housing: [ case ]:
'If hunger were once allowed to be an excuse for stealing, it would open a way through which all kinds of disorder and lawlessness would pass. So here. If homelessness were once admitted as a defence to trespass no one's house would be safe. Necessity could open a door which no man could shut. So the courts must, for the sake of law and order, take a firm stand. They must refuse to admit the pleas of necessity to the hungry and the homeless; and trust that their distress will be relieved by the charitable and the good.' (Per Lord Denning.)