Monday to stealing from a pharmacy.

Edward Warren Ming, 33, of Ewing Street, Pembroke, received an 18-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a string of thefts from the Woodbourne Chemists. Ming told Senior Magistrate Will Francis he was the only person working in his family: "My back was up against the wall... I've been clean all of these years.

The thefts occured between March 23 and 31. He also pleaded guilty to stealing cash and three packets of cigarettes, totaling $516.25, between March 31 and April 1.

Police prosecutor, Sgt. Phil Taylor, told Mr. Francis Ming was employed by the Carpet Doctor to clean the pharmacy. He would report to work before staff would leave in the evening and work without supervision into the late evening.

Sgt. Taylor said comptroller, Andrew Mizner, noted money had gone missing from the store on three separate occasions.

An investigation was launched and Ming was put under observation, Sgt. Taylor said.

On April 3, Ming was searched as he left the building and was found with cash and two packs of cigarettes, totalling $114.25.

Ming admitted to the string of offences and said: "Yeah, I'm sorry I stole the cash.'' Ming further admitted to using the cash to pay rent and to buy drugs. On Monday Ming told the court: "I do apologise to people I've offended. I'll do my best to pay them back.'' He told Mr. Francis his wife was not working, was unwell, and without insurance.

Mr. Francis told Ming: "The best way I can deal with you is hang a prison sentence over your head.'' He sentenced Ming to three months for each charge.

"Drugs is just going to take money out of your pocket,'' Mr. Francis warned Ming.