$1,000 fine.

Maria Philomena Soares DeLima Furtado pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court yesterday to working without permission.

She admitted taking money to watch five children between October 1 and December 7.

When passing sentence, Acting Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told the 41-year-old Sao Miguel island native: "This is not an easy matter to deal with... "It must be taken into consideration in any further actions that may be taken by the Immigration Department.'' Mr. Warner was responding to comments by Crown counsel Veronica Daley who suggested a "substantial'' fine because of Furtado's "blatant disregard'' of Immigration law.

Mr. Warner had heard that an Immigration inspector went to 9 Boss' Cove Road, Pembroke at 10.40 a.m. on December 7 after receiving information.

The inspector spoke to Furtado, also known as Maria DeLima, who admitted caring for the children on a weekly basis.

She was later interviewed by a bilingual Immigration inspector who established she accepted $100 per child per week for the service.

Mrs. Daley said this was in violation of Furtado's work permit which allows her to work part-time for Town and Country cleaners.

Furtado has worked in Bermuda for two years and is married to a man who has worked here for 14 years.

The maximum fine for working in Bermuda without permission of the Home Affairs Minister is $5,000.

Mr. Warner was careful to ensure Furtado understood both the charge and Mrs.

Daley's comments by insisting an interpreter translated the proceedings in full.

Last night, it was not known if there will be deportation orders made against Furtado by the Immigration Department.

IMMIGRATION IMM