tickets she received in Hamilton.

Karen Stewart, of Between The Walls, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to failing to pay nine parking tickets. And she admitted having another 13 unpaid parking tickets which were not before the court.

"My job is such that it is extremely demanding,'' Stewart told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis. "I don't get a chance to move my car in time.'' While Mr. Francis said he would be lenient and only fine Stewart $50 for each unpaid parking ticket -- the normal fine is $30 -- he stressed that the parking system could not be misused.

"It's tough enough getting parking around town,'' he said. "I cannot let people use the parking system as a high-class paid parking system. Some people feel `well I can afford parking tickets, my business is so important I'll take care of those parking tickets when I can'.'' But Stewart denied that she had this attitude.

"I cannot afford the parking tickets,'' she said. "My husband's entire salary goes to pay the mortgage and my salary goes to support my two children and husband.

"I'm on a fixed budget and paying off bills.'' Mr. Francis gave Stewart until May 29 to pay the $450.