An office attendant, who allegedly stole money from a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) at the Half-Way Tree Police Station was fined $8,000 in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Charged with simple larceny is 53-year-old Patricia Palmer, who narrowly escaped prison.

The court heard that Palmer allegedly pilfered the marked $1,000 note that was in the DSP's handbag. In a statement read to the court by the clerk, the DSP told Palmer to turn out her pockets, which revealed the money.

In court, Palmer told Senior Resident Magistrate (RM) Judith Pusey that she apologised to the senior policewoman and said the money was discovered on the floor while she was sweeping.

However, this did not sit well with the RM, who told her, "If you know you have sticky fingers, stay away from those jobs." The RM continued, "I can see it on everybody's face that I must give you a chance. Is she on bail? She shouldn't be."

An attorney subsequently took up Palmer's matter and begged the magistrate for leniency.

Palmer was ordered to pay the fine or serve six months' imprisonment.