A self-proclaimed drug addict admitted to stealing a chequebook from a church.

Melissa Ann Sousa, 39, of Crane Lane, Pembroke pleaded guilty to entering Western Methodist Church as a trespasser, theft, forgery and using false information when she appeared at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard from Crown counsel Takiyah Burgess who said on November 23, Sousa walked into the church and down the hallway into an office. She took a black chequebook off the desk and left.

Later that day, she wrote a cheque for $150 to herself and wrote "painting job" in the memo. The defendant took the cheque to the Bermuda Financial Network and cashed it.

The next day, Sousa wrote another cheque to herself for a painting job for $250. She went back to Bermuda Financial Network to cash it but the teller became suspicious. She told Sousa she was going to call the complainant but Sousa left before she had the chance.

The defendant was arrested on July 16 on Front Street and admitted the offence. She said she went into the church for assistance.

In a separate matter, Sousa was charged with stealing $950 from a Mr. Simons.

On July 6, she was in his home along with a few other guests. Everyone left later on, except for Mr. Simons and Sousa.

Mr. Simons secured $1,000 in US currency between his mattress and box spring before he went to sleep. He left Sousa watching television.

When Mr. Simons woke up at 2 a.m., the money and Sousa were both gone. He called the Police and Sousa was arrested. She said she took the money from his back pocket, not underneath the mattress.

Magistrate Shade Subair asked Sousa if drug court would be a good option for her. She said: "I would be willing to give drug court a chance as treatment would be needed in my case. I know what I need to do for the rest of my life."

Sousa said this was the first time she has been clean for ten years and she felt 'wonderful'. The defendant has been on remand since she was arrested July 16.

The defendant will appear on drug court August 22. She was remanded into custody.