mother and obtained $200 worth of cash and goods, was put on probation for 18 months in Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis also ordered Leon Gibbons to undergo drug counselling.

Gibbons, of Rockville Lane, pleaded guilty to stealing three cheques from Tonia Porpilia on September 29.

He forged two of them, receiving $200 worth of cash and goods from the Shopping Centre and T.A. Adderley & Sons Ltd. the same day.

The third cheque was spoiled.

Gibbons' lawyer, Mr. Richard Hector, told the court that his client had found himself in "poor circumstances'' for a considerable period of time.

"Although he stole the three cheques he used two to buy food,'' Mr. Hector said. "He was unemployed and in dire need of help. He even had to go to the Salvation Army for assistance.

"He offered to repay the $200. Mr. Gibbons is a young man. We must try to help young people find their way back.'' Mr. Hector asked Mr. Francis to not activate a six-month suspended sentence imposed on Gibbons when he appeared in court last August 26.

At that appearance, he pleaded guilty to stealing 16 cheques and to four charges of uttering and false pretences. He was fined $350 fine on each charge and given the six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Mr. Francis told Gibbons that the ball was in his court. "Having read the social inquiry report and listening to your lawyer, I will not activate the suspended sentence,'' he said.

"I will order a period of probation for 18 months on the condition that you attend addiction counselling.''