A homeless man trying to put his life back together was given a chance in Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Cannoth William Roberts, 24, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to possession of a pipe fit and intended for the misuse of a controlled drug.

Police arrested Roberts on an unrelated matter on June 29 of last year. At that time they found the pipe, made of a Dewars bottle, on his person.

Roberts told Police that he had found the pipe.

He told Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King: "I am homeless but I'm trying to get myself together. There's only me, myself and I.

"I'm just trying to get myself together, Mr. King, I ain't BS-ing. Time (in prison) right now would just drop me.'' He apologised to the court several times for not showing up for an earlier court date and pleaded with Mr. King for help.

"I'm asking for a correctional sentence,'' he explained.

"I'm doing nothing negative out there. I'm starting a full time job...just trying to keep food on my table.'' When Mr. King, as he did for several other defendants that morning, asked Roberts what he thought the court should do to penalise him, Roberts asked for: "Just a chance.'' Duty counsel Leo Mills spoke on behalf of Roberts, saying: "Mr. Roberts is in need of some guidance and direction.

"He has expressed remorse. I believe the court has an opportunity to impose a sentence allowing him to get his life back on track.'' Crown counsel Graveney Bannister, when asked by Mr. King, agreed, saying: "Community service could be considered, but he has to balance it between work. A fine would not help in this situation.'' He added that though people might raise their eyebrows at a conditional discharge, the merits of the case must be considered.

Both counsel agreed that Roberts must take responsibility for himself to seek the help he needs.

Mr. King said: "This man is no stranger to the courts.

"He is indigent and needs all the help he can get. He needs help and needs it badly. Incarceration is not the answer,'' Mr. King decided.

"I'm not going to talk about society and the poor and down trodden, because it might be banner headlines tomorrow,'' he commented.

"But he needs help.'' Mr. King ruled out probation and told the court: "He has to use his strength to get a meal, not for community service.'' He said: "I consider a conditional discharge for 12 months to be an appropriate penalty to enable this defendant to get himself rooted and be self-sufficient.

"I strongly urge you to seek help at the agencies which provide services to alleviate your problem,'' he told Roberts.

"Today is your turning point.. .the ball is in your court. Make sure you score.'' Roberts thanked Mr. King before leaving the court.

In other court news, a trial date has been set in a case of alleged bicycle theft.

Vorheese Eugene Trott, of Deepdale West Road, Pembroke, pleaded not guilty to stealing a 21-speed bike belonging to Kevin Mallory.

Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King set the trial date for July 25 at 9 a.m., before bailing Trott for $750.