Daring woman robs three banks in 30 minutes

Florida, USA: A woman has claimed she robbed three banks in just half an hour because she wanted to throw her daughter a graduation party.

And she also said she was in need of some cash for her overdue rent payments.

Cindy Sanchez Carabeo pleaded guilty in federal court to 'interfering with interstate commerce by robbery', punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The 50-year-old, from Valrico in Tampa Bay, Florida, described her motives in a signed plea agreement which has become part of court records.

In each of the three robberies, the bank staff were threatened with notes, according to the Tampa Bay News

"Should you not follow these instructions you will meet your maker," one note said.

"Should you not do as I say I will not hesitate to shoot."

Another threatened death but included the words, "Happy Mother's Day."

Carabeo had no prior criminal record in Florida and was arrested the afternoon of the robberies.

Her car was emitting red smoke from a ruptured dye pack, the court papers state, and police followed her home.

The arrest first drew attention because the robberies were so close together - they occurred at 3.19pm, 3.35pm and 3.40pm on May 11, the Monday after Mother's Day.