$50 for theft in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Harvey, 66, who lives at the BIU building, in Hamilton, admitted stealing a six-pack of beer from the MarketPlace, in Hamilton.

She said that the weekend of the theft, the last in August, was the last time she had consumed alcohol.

Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting, said that Harvey had been seen putting the beer in her bag by the manager and a cashier.

He added: "The reason she gave was that she needed the seven dollars she had on her to pay for transportation to work.'' Harvey told the court: "I went back to take back some chicken wings which were bad. They gave me some money back and I guess I was a bit upset so I took the beer.

"When the manager caught me I tried to give him the money but he said it was a little too late for that.

"I am a recovering alcoholic. I am not drinking at the moment. This is no excuse for what I did, I know. I will have to get a hold of myself.''