last chance'' after pleading guilty this week to forging cheques and stealing from a visitor.

An angry Anthony Frank Madeiros smashed his fist against a wall as he was led out of Magistrates' Court to begin serving a six month sentence.

He had pleaded with Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis not to send him to jail.

"Does it have to be prison your honour?,'' he asked. "Why not community service? Please!'' But Mr. Francis said he was being as lenient as possible. Madeiros had stolen from a visitor and had a lengthy list of past convictions for theft, prowling and drug possession.

Madeiros had admitted forging two stolen cheques totalling $100, payable to Giant Foods supermarket. And he admitted breaking into a Mermaid Beach Club guest cottage in the early evening of June 14 and stealing $132.

Four other related charges were taken into account in sentencing.

Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Duffy said Madeiros was arrested on March 21 at Giant Foods after he attempted to obtain goods with the second stolen cheque. An employee was aware that the cheque Madeiros presented was listed as stolen by the account holder, and called Police.

Madeiros' lawyer Mr. Michael Scott said he was a drug addict who had turned to petty, and now serious thefts to support his habit. "This is a plea for mercy -- for one last chance,'' Mr. Scott said.

Madeiros was seeking help for his addiction and had the support of his family and a good job prospect.

But Mr. Francis said he was concerned that Madeiros had now turned to breaking and entering and had targeted a visitor.