admitted stealing seven cheques to obtain money for drugs.

Kirk Don Simmons of Cedar Hill, pleaded guilty to 22 criminal counts associated with his theft of the cheques from a Cedar Heights Lane residence between September 1 and 14.

Sgt. Earl Kirby, prosecuting, told the court Simmons forged and uttered the Bank of Bermuda cheques between September 10 and October 6, fraudulently obtaining $2,055.

Once the theft was noticed by the owner of the cheques, extensive inquiries were made and Simmons was eventually questioned by Police. He admitted entering the dwelling through a closed but unlocked door and taking the cheques. He also said he "disguised'' the theft so the cheques would not be missed for some time.

None of the money has been recovered. Simmons told Police he used the cash to purchase cocaine.

Simmons, who knows the cheque holder, apologised to the court and promised to gradually pay the man back.

Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp warned the self-employed painter that drugs were "a dead-end path''.

He will appear again for sentencing next month.