this week after he pleaded guilty to stealing and forging checks.

Thirty-nine-year-old Steven Wayne Somner, of the Salvation Army's Harbour Light Centre, appeared before Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King for two counts of stealing checks from his sister and received a suspended six month jail term.

Mr. King heard that Somner visited his sister's residence on two separate occasions, May 21 and May 31, 1999, and stole her Government benefit checks, which were each valued at $296.51.

On each occasion, Somner forged his sister's signature and took the checks to the Bank of Butterfield to be cashed.

When Somner was later arrested by the Police, he admitted stealing the checks and told them he used the money to buy food, clothing and drugs.

When Mr. King asked Somner to explain his actions, Somner said: "I take responsibility for my actions. At the present time my life was upside down and I was using drugs...crack cocaine... I was powerless.

"My life was totally out of control under the influence of drugs,'' he continued.

Somner told Mr. King that he was in a drug treatment programme and wanted to be allowed to finish the remainder of his treatment.

"I would like to be allowed to continue this programme,'' Somner said. "I stand before you in this court very ashamed of my actions. I promised my sister that I will pay her money back.'' Mr. King asked: "How should you pay for this crime?'' Somner replied: "Yes, Your Honour, perhaps community service, so that I can give back to the community.'' Mr. King said: "I take into account your guilty pleas but the seriousness of your crimes cannot be overlooked because you have an addiction problem.'' He then imposed a six month prison sentence on Somner, which was suspended for two years.