Magistrates' Court saw two extremes yesterday as a young woman was warned away from a life of crime and a man with 45 convictions for thievery got a last chance.

Seventeen-year-old Jessica Figueirado was given a conditional discharge by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner while Roger Winston (Clarkie) Darrell, 41, thanked Acting Magistrate Edward Bailey for not activating a suspended prison sentence.

Figueirado, of Burnt House Hill, pleaded guilty to stealing $52 in cosmetics from the Phoenix and Darrell admitted taking $210 worth of alcohol from the A1 MarketPlace in Smith's Parish.

The maximum sentence allowable in Magistrates Court for stealing is one year but Magistrates have discretion in sentencing.

Staff watched Darrell "acting suspiciously'' in the store and followed him outside where they seized a box containing a bottle each of Hennessey cognac, Smirnoff vodka, Gosling's Black Seal, Bacardi Eight and Absolut vodka, and two bottles each of Cockspur rum and Bacardi Superior. Darrell drove away.

Darrell, of Cottage Hill, Hamilton Parish, begged for his freedom, telling Mr.

Bailey he thought he had consolidated all of his sentences during the past six months he spent in prison.

"I was doing six months when I last came here,'' Darrell said. "I thought he (Magistrate Edward King) said being as I was already there (in prison), he thought I should do it concurrent (to sentences he was already serving). I guess I truly forgot.'' While Mr. Bailey noted that "the court had bent over backward'' for Darrell, the magistrate implored him to seek out a church leader for guidance.

At no time was Darrell's addiction specifically mentioned.

"You have the potential to be a productive member of society again,'' Mr.

Bailey told him. "You need to get your life in order. There are so many programmes out there. If you come back before the courts I'm going to make sure the Magistrate will be persuaded to imprison you.

"You've been a sportsman, I know you,'' the former Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president said. "And you've lost a lot of respect. You can get it back.'' When Mr. Bailey added "you didn't get away with the liquor but the only thing you have come away with is a bad reputation'', Darrell interjected: "That's the worst thing to have.'' Earlier, Figueirado was told: "You are obviously an intelligent young lady.

"I think you know what the effect of a criminal conviction will do for you for the rest of your life. You are showing contrition.

"It's not my duty to lecture you,'' Mr. Warner told the school student.

"But a criminal conviction could ruin you, but again, that's not my job. I take into account the value of the stolen items and your age and the strongest mitigation, restitution.'' After imposing the 12 month conditional discharge and explaining it, Mr.

Warner added: "What that means is you've got to behave yourself for a year and then this matter will just disappear.''