Denise had carried James as she walked from TJ Hughes with Nicola and Vanessa, and crossed into Sayers where they bought a sausage roll each for the two children.
Denise put her son down then, broke the sausage roll in half to make it manageable, and handed it back to James, who ate it as he walked in front of Denise through the centre.
In Marks and Spencer, James and Vanessa were given a ride round in a shopping trolley, while Nicola bought a few bits of food. Outside Marks, down the slope, James ran off ahead, and an elderly woman had to stop him clambering alone on to the escalator.
Denise took hold of James, only letting go when they were inside Ethel Austin, the children’s clothing shop, where James was immediately struck by one of the baby suits being thrown down by an assistant standing on a chair. James began laughing and throwing the suits around the shop, and Denise marched him outside, waiting for Nicola and Vanessa.
James started walking around again, but Denise did not like the look of the scruffily dressed man who was sitting on a bench watching him. She held James’s hand as Nicola and Vanessa came out of Ethel Austin’s, and they all went across to Tesco.
Now James was on the move, kicking an empty box around, helping himself to some Smarties and a carton of apple juice, and generally making mischief. Denise became self-conscious, thinking everyone must be watching them, and they left after Nicola had bought some sugar.
James was told off and given a smack on the legs. Nicola went into Superdrug to buy some sweets for Vanessa. This time, Denise stayed outside. Then they turned the corner towards Tym’s the butchers. Camera 10 recorded them there at 15.37.51.
A. R. Tym’s is a popular butchers, which regularly displays luminous orange signs offering the day’s bargains: Natural Roast Lamb 69 qtr; Nat Honey Roast Ham 69 qtr; Danish Top Quality Bacon Ribs 99 lb; 4 Saus Rolls £1-00; We Do Traditional Cooked Meats For Your Special Occasions.
It was quieter than usual when Denise and Nicola went in, which was just as well, Denise thought, since James was playing up. She got her money out of her purse, ready to pay for the meat. Nicola, who was holding Vanessa, looked round and saw James at the entrance playing with the butt of a cigarette which was still alight. She turned to the counter to be served as Denise paid up and went out. Then Denise was back in the shop, panicking.
‘Where’s James?’
‘He’s only just outside,’ said Nicola.