A Sandys man who pleaded guilty to using stolen cheques to pay off his debts was sent to the Supreme Court for sentencing after Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King said his sentencing powers were insufficient.

Kevin Sean Butterfield, 20, pleaded guilty recently to three charges stemming from a stolen cheque which he used on February 29.

He pleaded guilty to making a false document, uttering a forged cheque, and intent to defraud an employee of the Bank of Bermuda of $700.

The court heard that Butterfield was working for Temco Limited at Devil's Hole on the day in question, and his boss gave him a cheque for $95.

Butterfield altered the cheque so that it read $700, and cashed it at the bank.

Prosecutor Wayne Caines told Mr. King that Butterfield had five previous convictions for fraud dating back to 1994, and he had served several prison sentences.

Mr. King said: "I consider my sentencing powers to be insufficient especially as you were sentenced to 12 months on February 9. I therefore commit you to the Supreme Court for sentencing as I cannot give you anymore than 12 months.''