three counts of theft.

Michael Smith, of no fixed abode, said he has only four months to live because of a terminal disease.

However, Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said Smith's extensive history of theft left him no choice.

"The only conclusion I can come to is that you have been given just about every chance that this court could give you,'' said Mr. Francis. "Clearly you are a danger to the public due to your propensity to steal.'' Sgt. Wilbert McLean, prosecuting, said on April 11 a store assistant at Aston & Gunn on Reid Street, saw two men enter the shop. He said one engaged him in conversation while the second grabbed a silk shirt and stuffed it in a bag.

The assistant said he approached the man, who started to run with the $50 shirt.

A complaint was lodged with Police and on May 13, Smith was seen and asked about the theft, which he admitted after some time.

He indicated to the officers that he sold it for $25 to another man. Sgt.

McLean said on May 7, a saleswoman at Mick's Menswear on Queen Street said Smith entered the store and waited until she was distracted by his partner before stealing a Slazinger track suit.

He left the store, chased by the salesperson, and went to Karl's, Guys & Dolls on Church Street, where he concealed the outfit on the floor behind a shelf of clothing.

It was recovered and given to Police.

On January 16, a salesclerk at Williams Trading Ltd. in Pembroke saw Smith enter the store and place a hand drill in a plastic bag.

The salesclerk approached Smith, who first said he did not have the drill but then apologised and returned it.

But Smith said his problems were not caused solely by drugs. "The person (I was involved in the thefts with) knew about my drug problem and he was preying on me,'' he said. "He knew I was in need of money and if he pursued the matter I would fall for it. When I was (last) released from jail I came out trying to get my life on track. I went to see the probation officers, I joined Addiction Services and then I found out I had a terminal disease.

"I'm starting to get in touch with myself and my problem and deal with it. I do want to make amends in my life because I don't have much time left.'' Mr. Francis ordered Smith to be imprisoned for nine months on each of the two counts but allowed the sentences to run concurrently.