community service for stealing from the business.

Dean V.A. Parris, of Friswell's Hill, Pembroke, admitted stealing $6,322 from the salon, off Front Street, between August 31 and November 26, last year.

Parris, a former receptionist at the salon, balanced the accounts and made deposits for the salon.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Donald Grant said that, sometime between August and November last year, Parris made false entries which were not discovered until his employer went over the books.

The employer notified Police and fired Parris.

Parris earlier told the court said he stole the money to support a drug habit.

But his lawyer Miss Victoria Pearman -- who referred to a social inquiry report -- said Parris was under emotional strain when he committed the offence.

And Ms Pearman pointed out that Parris -- who recently secured another job as a computer operator -- had already paid back more than $2,000 of the money taken.

Noting that the incident had had a "severe and startling'' effect on Parris, Miss Pearman said: "Not only was he hospitalised as a result of it, he also suffered considerable shame.'' Parris had made "a substantial contribution to our society'' following his release from hospital, she added. He did 50 hours of volunteer work at St. Brendan's Hospital and Agape House.

Miss Pearman also noted that Parris was a volunteer with a local dance company which teaches youngsters.

"The offence was out of character and not likely to be repeated, given the exceptional nature of events that led to it,'' she stressed.

Mr. King ordered Parris to serve 240 hours of community service.

And he told Parris: "Try to do whatever you can to pay off the balance of money. This is to teach you a lesson.''