Somerset funeral parlour was fined and given a suspended prison sentence this week.

Steven John DeCosta, 34, admitted the offences of stealing, forging, uttering and obtaining cash and food from two supermarkets through false pretences.

He told Magistrates' Court he had been hard up for money to pay outstanding bills and some $21,000 he owes in child support.

Prosecuting Sgt. Wilbert Maclean said DeCosta broke into CW Pearman and Son Funeral Directors on the afternoon of May 4 through an insecure door. He said he stole the cheques from the owner Mr. Colin Pearman's office and forged one for $200 and the other for $350.

DeCosta, who had been doing odd jobs for Mr. Pearman, went to Modern Mart and obtained $28 worth of groceries and $172 cash for the $200 cheque.

He presented the $350 cheque at the Heron Bay MarketPlace and received $93 worth of groceries and $257 cash.

Sgt. Maclean said DeCosta later called Mr. Pearman -- who had reported the theft to Police -- and admitted the offences.

DeCosta told the court Mr. Pearman had forgiven him and offered to pay back the money to the grocery stores on condition DeCosta work off the debts.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined him $700 and ordered $550 of the money to go towards compensating the supermarkets.

He also sentenced him to six months in prison but suspended the sentence for 18 months.