she had to steal clothes for her two-year-old because she had no job and was fighting for child support.

Leah Woodley, of Middle Terrace, Pembroke, admitted taking child's track suit from Karl's Guys and Dolls on December 7, last year.

Prosecuting, Sgt. Donald Grant said Woodley was chased by an employee, south down Queen Street and escaped to Par-La-Ville Parking Lot with the clothes valued at $33.98.

Woodley was seen again later outside The Phoenix Store on Reid Street and she was positively identified to Police who arrested her.

Police were led to the parking lot where Woodley said she left the track suit but nothing was found.

She admitted to the crime and co-operated with Police by eventually returning the stolen goods.

The Court heard Woodley stole the item for her two-year-old child because she was having troubles with unemployment and child-support.

Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl Ann Mapp said: "I sympathise with you, but there is no excuse to steal.'' A social inquiry report was ordered and Woodley was bailed at $500.