A FRAUDSTER was given four months to stay on the straight and narrow – or risk prison.

Pasquale Frangione, 30, had already admitted change swapping and stealing cigarettes when he came before Swindon Crown Court on Friday afternoon.

The court heard the Hertfordshire man had targeted young-looking shop assistants at stores in Marlborough, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Market Lavington in February, March and April last year. He made more than £300 through change swapping.

He also stole £2,800-worth of cigarettes from a Co-op in Chippenham and £2,000-worth of cigarettes in Whitstable, Kent, last May.

Frangione, of Friends Avenue, Waltham Cross, pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court to theft and fraud by false representation.

After hearing the defendant was now drug free, had an apprenticeship, was living with his grandmother and making good progress on his current probation order imposed last year for burglary, Judge Peter Crabtree deferred sentence for four months.

Frangione must comply with the probation service, maintain his employment, stay drug free, live with his grandmother, save up cash to compensate his victims and stay out of trouble or risk a prison sentence.

Judge Crabtree told the defendant: “Don’t breach it because I don’t give a lot of second chances by and large.”

His sentence date was fixed for June 10.