A former bus driver who stole $3,000 from a passenger's bank account was handed a suspended sentence in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Wendy Ebbin, 46, was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner.

"I am very sorry for what I have done and it will never happen again," she said. "I did it to keep a roof over my kids' heads. I have learned that this behaviour can get you in a lot of trouble and it will never happen again."

The Frithholme Gardens, Paget resident had earlier admitted stealing bank cards from Colette Bascome's purse and withdrawing $3,000 between September 11 and October 30, 2009.

The mother-of-two took the purse from the Public Transportation Board's (PTB) lost and found, where it had been placed after being discovered left on the bus.

She also admitted she later attempted to dishonestly obtain an additional $600 from Ms Bascome's account on November 6, when she was caught.

Her lawyer, Jaymo Durham, told the court that when Ebbin stole the money she was some $35,000 in debt and was overdue on rent payments.

He said Ebbin has a history of financial troubles and was forced to live in a tent at Horseshoe Bay with her children in the past.

He also claimed that she had intended to pay the victim back.

Mr. Durham said Ebbin's dishonest behaviour stems from a bad example set by her mother. He said she would often steal and commit similar crimes and encourage Ebbin to do the same.

The court also heard that she has been in an abusive long-term relationship.

Ebbin apologised to the court and said she is now seeking employment and has several job interviews lined up in the coming weeks.

She has previous convictions for stealing and was given a similar sentence in 2001 for fraudulently obtaining $10,000 from Government's Financial Assistance Department. She has also been convicted of at least another six fraud and stealing charges, dating back to 1998.

Mr. Warner said: "Classically this offence is capable of being met with an immediate custodial sentence because of the nature of the offence and your previous convictions. However, it is my view that there were special circumstances that have been shown throughout.

"Ms Ebbin, I hope the sentence that I have offered you will give you a clear path forward. I must explain to you that should you commit any offence in the next 24 months your sentence could be activated."

The 38-year-old victim, Ms Bascome, described Ebbin's sentence as "light".

Although she has been repaid the money stolen, she said she doesn't think the punishment fits the crime.

"I think that I should have been compensated for what I have lost," she said.

"I work two jobs and I go to school. This ordeal has forced me to miss work and has caused me a great deal of stress. I am getting myself together now but this really affected my life."

Ms Bascome added: "What she did was dishonest and it was wrong."

Shadow Minister of Transport Michael Dunkley said of the case: "Did PTB know of her past when she was hired? Trust and honesty are real issues in Bermuda. There is no way someone with this type of past record should have been given a job which involves money, plain and simple."

No-one from PTB was available for comment.