months yesterday for shoplifting.

Hunt, 49, told Magistrates' Court she was being treated for depression -- and this could explain her actions.

"I have been under quite a lot of stress,'' she said.

Hunt, of Sunset Lane, Pembroke, admitted taking items worth more $150 -- including a shower curtain -- from Masters Ltd. on November 23.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said Hunt was confronted by the store manager and managing director of Masters.

Asked why she had committed the offence, Hunt told Senior Magistrate Will Francis: "I don't know why...it's a sickness. Before I was treated it was like a strong urge which overpowered me.'' She said she had received counselling and benefited from it.

Mr. Francis told the court he had received a letter from a psychiatrist treating Hunt. And this suggested depression could lie behind Hunt's behaviour.