last week.

Magistrate Edward King adjourned the court proceeding after Nicola Burchall promised to pay former employers Scruff's Boutique the money she stole -- with some guidance from Mr. King.

"A magistrate does not have the power to order compensation unless it is a physical assault case,'' said Mr. King, who spent the better part of the proceedings coaxing Burchall to repay the owners.

Burchall stole $153 from Scruff's Boutique while she was working there in May and June.

A co-owner found a receipt thrown into the garbage one day and confronted Burchall who admitted to selling clothing, then taking the money and throwing away the receipts.

"I'm sorry for what I did,'' she said.

Mr. King asked her if she returned the stolen money and she said: "When I went to pay back the money, she (Burchall's former employer) told me she was taking me to court.'' Mr. King said court proceedings were concerned with the criminal part of the theft.

He added: "She is entitled to having her money back.'' He said the owners could sue Burchall for the money and use the criminal case as evidence.

Burchall said she would return the money on her next payday and Mr. King adjourned the court until later this month.

"I'm giving you an opportunity,'' he told Burchall before she left.