A WORCESTER man who cashed a cheque for his friend at a city centre pawnshop said he did not know that it came from a stolen chequebook.

Daniel Bough, aged 20, of Liverpool Road, pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception when he appeared before Worcester magistrates yesterday.

He was sentenced to 60 hours community service and was ordered to pay £60 court costs.

Linda Jeffrey, prosecuting, said Bough had gone into The Money Shop, The Tything, and asked a member of staff to cash a cheque for £262.

Bough told police that a friend had asked him to cash the cheque and had offered him some money if he did it.

Roger Atter, defending, said: "Regrettably he didn't think much about the consequences of what he was doing."

Help for

mothers

A MENTAL health service for new and expectant mothers is being expanded in Worcester.

The Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has been given cash to bring extra staff to the Mother and Baby Service.

The service was originally set up in the county in February this year, and has worked with a wide range of women.

Two part-time staff will now join the team.