on Christmas Eve.

Derrick Walker, of Flatts, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to theft and to the assault of Mrs. Diana Lopes on December 22.

Mrs. Lopes had come out of Gibbons Company with her 19-year-old daughter and was walking on Church Street when she was shoved from behind, said Sgt. Peter Giles, prosecuting.

Eighteen-year-old Walker and a friend, who pleaded not guilty, made off with her handbag.

The bag contained nearly $30 in cash, a cheque for $10,000, a $500 bank draft, and a watch.

Mrs. Lopes was momentarily stunned but recovered herself and began to chase the youths, and was joined by passers-by while the Police were called.

Walker escaped but was arrested at his place of work the next day.

Acting Magistrate the Wor. John Judge ordered the Social Inquiry Report for Walker.

Bail was set at $500 with a surety of $1,000 for Walker's friend.