A 23-year-old man who stole a cheque and drove away a car without getting permission from the owner was fined $750 in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

And Kino Outerbridge, of no fixed abode, told Police that he used the money he obtained from the cheque to buy heroin and pay a prostitute.

Outerbridge also pleaded guilty to uttering the cheque, obtaining money by false pretences, and inducing an employee of the Harrington Hundreds grocery store to give him cash and goods.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Donald Grant told the court that Outerbridge, who was working at Pro Audio Systems, was staying with his employer Mr. Robert Kennedy at the time of the incident.

"On June 13, Outerbridge and Kennedy left work and went home,'' Sgt. Grant said.

He added that after Kennedy fell asleep, Outerbridge slipped out of the house and drove off in the company van.

"At 6.30 p.m. he went to the shop looking for cash and found a cheque made out to Pro Audio for $300. And at 8.30 p.m. he attended Harrington Hundreds grocery store and purchased groceries valued at $24.25 with the cheque.'' Sgt. Grant added that Outerbridge was arrested by Police after he was seen driving along South Road in Devonshire.

When questioned by the officers Outerbridge said he had taken the car to go on a joy ride and then decided he wanted some cash.

"He admitted using the money to obtain the services of a prostitute and to buy heroin,'' Sgt. Grant said.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined Outerbridge $150 on each charge, $300 of which will be given to Harrington Hundreds.