sweep away the presumption of innocence in a bid to curb crime.

The Hon. Sir John Swan said his remark was aimed at provoking comment and thought.

And he claimed the ploy had worked by stirring up debate on how Government and the courts should tackle crime.

One suggestion floated by a member of the public was for the courts to be tougher when considering bail applications, said Sir John.

"The Island's war on crime requires creative solutions to difficult problems.'' Sir John went on to take Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade firmly to task for his attack on him.

He claimed the Opposition leader had slammed him for merely raising an idea.

Sir John strongly denied his remarks had related to the jury system.

He stressed a balance would have to be struck between protecting the rights of accused persons and safeguarding the public good.

"As a result of the statement made about the presumption of innocence, one suggestion that has been recommended by a member of the public is that consideration should be given to judges and magistrates to exercise a stricter measure of discretion when considering bail applications for persons accused of serious drugs and firearms offences,'' he said.

"Sir John said that this suggestion arose from the fact that serious offenders are sometimes released on bail, only to commit further crimes.

"The purpose of this proposal would be to ensure that alleged criminals are taken completely out of circulation, at least until they can be dealt with by the courts.'' Sir John said his comments -- made on ZBM on Monday night -- had sparked a "lively'' debate on crime and drugs.

He urged Mr. Wade to join Government efforts on combating the problems, rather than "trying to derail legitimate attempts to deal with them effectively''.

STOLE TO FINANCE DRUG HABIT CTS Stole to finance drug habit A cocaine addict told Magistrates' Court yesterday admitted he stole to finance his drug habit.

Chris Winslow Ray, 24, of Spring Hill, Warwick pleaded guilty to nine counts of stealing cheques, making false documents and procuring accomplices to utter them.

Police prosecutor Inspector Peter Duffy said Ray stole a cheque from Quincy Simmons Sr. between 24 and 25 August and cashed it for $250.

Between 14 and 26 September he stole three cheques from Alan Young, and procured two accomplices to cash them.

Ray was arrested after Simmons notices irregularities in his bank statement, Inspector Duffy said.

Duty Counsel Mr. John Cooper requested an updated social inquiry report for the defendant who admitted he committed the offences because had a drug problem.

Ray, who has previous convictions for breaking and entering and receiving a stolen bike, said he was looking for a job and was attending a drug rehabilitation programme.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. William Francis ordered an updated probation report and set the case down for mention next month. Bail was set at $500.