In Nowra Local Court last week, Juan Brian Stirling, 19, of Hewlett Avenue pleaded guilty to larceny.

On August 20, Stirling had gone to The Gym at North Nowra, where he was a member.

He went to the shelf area where patrons put their belongings and took a black handbag.

Stirling next went to the area behind Illaroo Road Public School and threw the bag off the cliff.

It was found by rock climbers, who called the police.

They took it to the owner who said it was missing $8 cash and a mobile phone.

Stirling confessed to the theft of the bag, but told police he didn’t take the phone or the cash.

One hundred dollars was found in the bag after it was recovered.