fined $300 each in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Carene F. Woolridge, 26 of Paradise Lane and Nicole R. Simmons, 23 of Seon Lane pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecuting, Sgt. Kenrick James told the court that on December 11 at 4.15 p.m. the two women were seen by a plain clothed security guard carrying several clothes and bags into the store's changing room.

"They came out of the changing room without clothes and their bags were substantially large,'' Sgt. James said.

"The security guard watched as the women walked past the cash register towards the exit.'' Sgt. James added that the guard detained them in the security room until Police arrived.

They found numerous items of clothing between the two bags which still had price tags attached. The women admitted to stealing the clothes that were valued at $410.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined the women $300 each.

PRISON FOR MANS WHO ASSAULTED WOMAN CTS A 23-year-old Devonshire man was sentenced to three months in prison after admitting to assaulting a woman.

Kevin J. Boys, of Middle Road, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to two charges of unlawful assault.

Prosecutor Sgt. Kenrick James told the court that on December 13 at 3 p.m.

Boys had an argument about child support with the mother of two children.

"The woman was sitting in her car which was parked on the eastern side of Parliament Street,'' Sgt. James said.

"While arguing, Boys punched the woman on the arm and she told him that she was going to report him at the Hamilton Police Station.'' Sgt. James added: "While she was at the station Boys came in and struck her on the head, he was then arrested.'' Sgt. James informed the court that Boys had previous convictions of wilful damage and violence.

When asked if he had anything to say Boys replied: "I had no other choice -- my back was against the wall.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis sentenced Boys to three months in prison for each charge which will run concurrently.

INFLATION RATE FIN Inflation has remained at 2.1 percent for the third month running, although shoppers paid more for some goods.

Latest Government figures relate to the 12 months to last November.

Fuel and power edged up 1.1 percent, while prices for ladies' hair dressing services advanced 2.9 percent. Over-the-counter medicine moved up 2.1 percent.

After a 0.4 percent decline in the October food index, November saw a 0.3 percent rise. Shoppers forked out more for bacon, fish fingers, butter, fruit juices, and ready-made cakes and pastries.

A 0.7 percent rise in the average price of new cars was partly offset by a one percent fall in the cost of gasolene. There was little or no price change in household appliances. Prices for tobacco, liquor, clothing and footwear showed no change at all in November.