A former hotel chambermaid has been given a two year probation sentence after admitting stealing $400 from a colleague.

Cheri Lee Minors, 39, from Boundary Crescent, Devonshire, took the money from the purse of another chambermaid while working at the Southampton Princess Hotel on September 5. Ms Minors is now no longer working at the hotel.

Yesterday, before passing sentence, Magistrate Ed King told mother of three Minors: "I have read the Social Inquiry Report and I'm prepared to give you another chance -- you have to get your life back on track.'' Mr. King handed out similar advice to a country club worker who stole $120 form his employer.

Albert Outerbridge, 29, from Woodlands Road, Somerset, who now works as a part-time labourer, broke into the Riddells Bay Golf and Country Club in the early hours of October 28.

Outerbridge got into the building through a kitchen window before breaking into an office and stealing $120. He was arrested later that day and made a full confession to Police, saying that he needed the cash to feed a cocaine and alcohol habit.

Sentencing Outerbridge to two years probation, Mr. King said: "Having the benefit of the Social Inquiry Report I do not consider it necessary to impose any further punishment other than that in the report.

"You will be on probation for two years and continue to adhere to the rehabilitation programme.

"But if you backslide from this programme in the next two years the courts will know about it and different measures may be taken and you may go up to another place.

"It's your life, your ship and you have to make sure that you steer it off the reefs. Your life is heading for the reefs of destruction and you have to take the helm and make sure that you steer it out into safe waters. If you backslide you are going to be bearing the bruises.'' Mr. King then turned to Outerbridge's wife, who was in court to support her husband, and said: "Give him some tough love -- if you suspect that he's slipping up, turn him in.''