The court heard that between February 4, 1991 and January 20, 1992, Allison Shakir of Mount Pleasant Road made false statements and failed to surrender foreign currency.

She filled out 17 foreign currency tax forms, and said she needed the money changed for trips overseas.

The total she changed amounted to $45,649 (US$45,603).

Shakir's lawyer, Mr. Richard Hector, told Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade that his client had committed the offences when she was 19-years-old.

"Now she is 22 and has an eight-month-old baby girl,'' Mr. Hector said.

"She is a remarkable young lady because like other young people she tried to strike out on her own when she was 17-years-old but found that it was quite difficult.

"She was trying to find a way to get some extra money and someone in the bank she was employed at wanted to help.'' Mr. Hector added: "Since 1992, this matter has hung over her head. She gave the Police information about the person, which helped the bank weed the other employer out of the bank.

"She intends not to be a fool again and wants to work her way back into society.

"The people that put her in this position deserted her, which forced her to stand alone in these circumstances.'' When asked if she had anything to say, Shakir replied: "I apologise for the wrong that I have done and for what I did to my family.'' Before sentencing, Mrs. Justice Wade told Shakir she was taking into account the social inquiry report, the guilty plea and the fact that she had no previous convictions.