cash from a restaurant to support his habit.

Gary Kenneth Grant, 26, of Palmetto Road, Pembroke, told the court he had sought help for his addiction and regretted the crime. "I'm trying to turn my life around,'' he said in Magistrates' Court.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis asked for a report from Grant's probation officer before passing sentence. Grant was told to appear in court again at 2.15 p.m. on December 18.

Prosecuting, Police acting Insp. Rex Osborne said Grant entered Arabian Deep Fried Chicken in Pembroke shortly before 1 a.m. on September 2 and spoke with Mr. Abdul Hakeem, Jr., the son of the owner.

The restaurant was closed, but Mr. Hakeem let Grant in because he knew him, Insp. Osborne said.

Mr. Hakeem took the trash outside. When he returned, the bag containing the night's receipts had been opened. Grant was gone and $160 was missing, Insp.

Osborne said.

Grant later admitted he stole the money to support his cocaine addiction, he said.

Grant, who is unemployed, was sentenced to eight months in prison in April for breaking and entering, and theft and unlawful entry, the court was told. In February, he received two years' probation for four counts of breaking and entering, and theft, and in 1989 he was fined $700 for theft of cheques, forgery, uttering, and false pretences.

"I'm very sorry,'' Grant told the court. "I'm seeking help. I'm trying to turn my life around. I am willing to pay back the money if so be it.'' Grant is enrolled in a treatment programme for cocaine addicts, the court heard.