Life is rough for Shirl Hennessey. Her son, Steve, is dead, shot by police. Her other son, Mal, is facing a possible life sentence for murder. She is left at home with her daughter, Rhonda, daughter-in-law Kirsty and their children. However, when she is arrested for shoplifting and possession of a pen pistol, Shirl sees a chance to get the break she needs—a short stint in jail away from life's pressures.