and warned against soliciting money from the public.

Keith Peniston, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to begging and wandering abroad when he appeared before Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis.

"Have you taken a proper course for trying to get assistance,'' asked Mr.

Francis. "There are better ways to get assistance. I hope you realise that is not the correct course to follow because you'll end up back in court before me again. Don't stand outside Phoenix or anywhere else begging.'' Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting, said officers spotted Peniston in front of the Phoenix Centre on Reid Street at 4.40 p.m. on Monday.

The officers saw Peniston speak to approximately six people as they entered and left the store, asking for a dollar.

Insp. Duffy said Peniston was seen accepting a two dollar bill from one person. The officers then arrested him for begging.

Peniston told the officers he had no home: "I'm only trying to get something to eat,'' he said.