Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Michael L. Smith pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecuting Insp. Peter Duffy told the court that on August 20, Smith, who was the assistant manager at the Sparrow's Nest bar on Reid Street, collected $1,500 of night earnings.

"But when the owner Hubert Minors was checking the money he discovered that $540 was missing,'' Insp. Duffy said.

Insp. Duffy added that Minors reported the incident to Police and Smith admitted taking the money, none of which was returned.

Smith told Police that he had a problem with substance abuse.

Duty Council Mr. Rod Attride-Sterling told the court that Smith hadn't paid the money back because he was fired from his job.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined Smith $1,000, $540 of which will be paid to Minors.