of ladies' socks worth a total of $38 was given a conditional discharge yesterday.

Family Court heard the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught outside Heron Bay Market Place in Southampton with the goods hidden in a bag after she had paid for some noodles in the shop.

Two relatives and the girl's legal guardian spoke on her behalf and said the theft was totally out of character for her. She also apologised for her actions.

Acting Magistrate Justin Williams said: "You are going to be very fortunate -- nothing will happen if you don't do it again.

"But if you do it again within a year, you will be brought back and dealt with for this matter.''