A Southampton man has been handed a 12-month probation order for dishonestly obtaining a cheque valued at $1,440.

Stevone Bailey, 32, admitted taking the cheque belonging to Marvin Seaman, with the intention of permanently depriving him of the money, when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court in August.

The court heard at that time that Bailey and the complainant, who had been friends for more than three years, had been out drinking together on June 5.

Bailey took the cheque, which Mr Seaman had left in his car, when Mr Seaman gave him his keys so Bailey could go wait in the car.

When Mr Seaman got to his car, he found the keys in the ignition but Bailey was not there. Mr Seaman went home and realised the next day that the cheque was no longer where he had left it. Bailey was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he admitted taking the cheque and cashing it.

In court today, Bailey said he was sorry for his actions and that he wanted to pay back the $1,440.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo sentenced Bailey to 12-months’ probation with all the recommendations made in the pre-sentencing reports, which include making restitution to Mr Seaman and 50 hours of community service.

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