A magistrate was "astounded'' on Friday at how easily a conman charged thousands of dollars to another person's store accounts.

Because Calvin Leonard Richardson had the same first and last names as his victim, he was able to help himself to clothes, fragrances and jewellery.

And the month-long scam only came to light when the real account holder got a huge bill from Trimingham's and complained, Magistrates' Court heard.

Other stores he successfully targeted were Astwood-Dickinson and the English Sports Shop, where staff were fed a story that he had changed address.

Richardson, a 25-year-old who suffers from schizophrenia, admitted eleven counts of obtaining and attempting to obtain goods by false pretences, most of them in November 1991. He also admitted assaulting a Policeman and damaging his shirt.

No total value was put on the goods, some of which were recovered.

Sgt. Peter Giles, prosecuting, said Richardson appeared to have been using his Bank of Butterfield cash machine card as identification. He denied the offences at first, but was recognised by store employees.

While being questioned, he became agitated. "Without warning, he picked up a metal framed chair he had been sitting on and swung it at the Police officer in front of him,'' said Sgt. Giles. The glancing blow caused minor abrasions.

The Policeman got the chair off Richardson, but he grabbed the plain clothes officer's $50 shirt and ripped it.

Sgt. Giles said Richardson was at "the last chance stage'', and needed help.

"He's got a long haul to get himself back in shape.

"One can only marvel perhaps at the ease with which he charged these items.

He walked in, said he wanted to charge the item, and that's about it.'' Mr. Tim Marshall, defending, said Richardson was "a young man who for many years admits to surviving through theft''.

"He has no job skills, has never learned a trade, has no education which would properly prepare him for the workforce, and had very little guidance whatsoever in his formative years from his parents,'' he said.

Richardson's family had left the Island when he was 13, abandoning him to foster care, said Mr. Marshall.

"Tragically, this man does not even know where any of his family members reside. He recognises his life at this stage is one where there is little self worth felt by him, but he still remains hopeful that something can be done.'' Richardson was serious about helping himself, said Mr. Marshall. He had chosen to stay in Casemates since his arrest rather than get out on bail, and was back on medication.

He needed structure and care for the rest of his life.

Salvation Army accommodation was available for him, and there was a job skills programme open too.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said he found it "absolutely astounding'' that Richardson was so successful with the offences.

There were three or four people on the Island called Will Francis, he said.

"It's making me feel a little nervous,'' he added.

He put Richardson on probation for two years, telling him: "It's just sink or swim.'' ASTOUNDED -- The Wor. Will Francis