was convicted of breaking, entering and stealing from her residence was sent to prison for a year yesterday.

William George Thomas, 39, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to stealing, forging, uttering and presenting the cheque with intent to defraud, but insisted he had turned over a new leaf since the incident. The admitted cocaine addict said he had been "clean'' for six weeks and was close to securing a job.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis noted the six-month suspended sentence he received last August did not deter him from stealing the cheque in October.

Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting, said Thomas' aunt contacted the Police after her $645 pension cheque failed to appear in her home post box on the usual date.

Inquires revealed that it had been cashed at the Empire Grocery. The woman's signature had been forged on the back, and countersigned "WM Thomas''.

When questioned by Police, Thomas admitted taking the check from his aunt's post box. The Orchard Grove resident said $150 of the money was used for groceries, and the rest on liquor.

Insp. Duffy added Thomas' aunt would not be reimbursed by Government Social Insurance because the cheque had been "properly delivered to her residence'', so the money was completely "out of her pocket''.

"Your aunt filed charges, so she's obviously fed up with you,'' said Mr.

Francis before activating Thomas' suspended sentence and adding six more months for the latest offence.