Magistrates' Court on Friday -- receiving instead a six-month suspended sentence for three charges of theft.

Michael Smith, 39, of Rocklands Estate, appeared before Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis.

He admitted stealing more than $300 worth of property.

The court heard that Smith's spree started on May 18 when he stole three Timex watches and a bottle of hair grease from the Phoenix Centre in Hamilton.

Two months later he snatched four T-Shirts worth $71.80 from Bananas on Front Street and two bottles of liquor worth $84.14 from the MarketPlace in Hamilton.

Smith's lawyer Mr. Tim Marshall told the court: "Sadly, Mr. Smith is in the last innings of his life. He would like to spend the remainder of his life living in the right way.

"He has given every indication that he will not repeat (such offences) because his whole life is dedicated to ensuring that the rest of his days are memorable.'' Mr. Marshall added that the AIDS support group STAR had offered Smith a place in their Lighthouse home.