stealing $14,000 in cash from the bank.

Dawn Marie Gibbons, 27, of Hamilton Parish, had admitted making a series of unauthorised withdrawals from two accounts and making false entries on bank documents.

The mother-of-two had asked the courts to take an additional 14 counts into consideration.

The main offences took place between March 16 and November 20 last year.

Gibbons had been employed as an administrator until she was fired on November 25.

During an internal audit performed immediately after her dismissal, irregularities were discovered.

Police were waiting at the bank when she returned to collect personal belongings. She told them that she had taken the money to pay off personal debts and said she had every intention of repaying the money.

Prosecuting, Insp. Peter Duffy told Magistrates' Court that Gibbons had attempted to make restitution and the Bank of Bermuda had been satisfied.

After studying a social inquiry report, Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said: "From what I have seen I find it hard to understand how you let this happen to you. You are a young lady who rose very quickly into a high position in the bank.

"From what I have heard it seems that those who know you best, including some of your former employers, still think something of you. I hope that you will take the fullest advantage of the opportunities that are still open to you.'' Mr. Francis said that Gibbons would have to spend some time paying off money she had borrowed to pay off her restitution.

He said: "I am going to make the community service a bit stiff because I have to be cognizant of the fact that this kind of offence is serious particularly in somebody in your position.

"The higher up the ladder you are the more serious this court must view these offences.''