stole to support her three children.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis last week ordered the report for Francine Steede, of Albert Road, Dockyard, who pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court on Friday to three counts of stealing.

Prosecutor Sgt. Kendrick James said Steede stole a total of $500 from three different handbags that had been left in the female changing room at the Total Fitness Gym on Brunswick Street.

Sgt. James said the offences occurred on January 18, March 20, and June 5.

On June 14, Steede was caught after she fell for a trap set to catch the thief, Sgt. James said.

A handbag containing marked notes was left in the female locker room. One of the notes, a $20 bill, was found on Steede and she was arrested.

Steede said she stole the money because she was having trouble supporting her three children.

Steede told the court she had paid all of the money back and that she was receiving counselling.

Mr. Francis released Steede on $500 bail and ordered her to return to court on September 29 when the social inquiry report is due.