lock-up after stealing cheques from a relative and another man.

Joeshon Hinson Russell, 24 pleaded guilty to theft, forging and uttering in Magistrates Court on Friday.

Russell, of Prison Farm, 29 Ferry Road, St. George's broke into the home of Milton Richardson and Judy Lowe, his aunt, and stole $100 and three cheques.

He entered Mr. Richardson's home through an unlocked window and Ms. Lowe's home through an unlocked sliding glass door.

Then on two separate occasions he forged one of Ms. Lowe's cheques, making them payable to himself.

The first cheque was made payable for $1,000 and the second for $2,000.

Upon his arrest, Russell admitted the offences and said he used the money to purchase drugs, alcohol and to pay his rent.

Russell apologised to his aunt and Mr. Richardson and said his last four months in prison had really put him on the straight and narrow.

" I have a job when I get out and a place to stay'' he said. "I'd like to be given a chance.'' He also denied using the stolen money for drugs and alcohol, telling the court he was getting help for his addiction problem.

Magistrate Edward King said that these types of crimes were too common on the Island and were not to be taken lightly.

"I take into consideration your guilty plea but this is a type of crime that is too rampant and must be deterred,'' Mr. King said.

Russell received six months for the two thefts, one month each for the four charges of forging and uttering and three months each for the two charges of obtaining goods through false pretences.

All of the sentences are to be served concurrently.