SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A 28-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in jail for trying to cash a stolen cheque.

Stanley Ameralik pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and a count of possession of stolen property.

He had taken a cheque to Money Mart on Dec. 8, according to the agreed statement of facts, read aloud by Crown lawyer Duane Praught.

The cheque, for $301.11 from Yk Education District No.1, was made out to someone other than Ameralik. Ameralik had signed the back of the cheque using the other person's name, and identified himself to the clerk as the other person.

"The clerk called the school district and learned it had been stolen," said Praught.

The clerk then called the RCMP, who arrived shortly after and questioned Ameralik. At first, he identified himself to them as the person whose name was on the cheque. After being questioned some more, Ameralik admitted his true identity to the officers.

Judge Robert Gorin said he found Ameralik's extensive criminal record "quite aggravating," citing 12 prior convictions for property-related crimes including theft, break and enters, and possession of stolen property. Ameralik also fled from the courthouse on Dec. 29, 2009 while being escorted back to jail by an RCMP officer. He was captured still in handcuffs at Canadian Tire following a 16-hour manhunt. He was later sentenced to three months in jail for escaping lawful custody. On Wednesday, Ameralik was given 20 days credit for 15 days spent in jail awaiting his sentence, leaving him with 70 days left to serve.

Also on Wednesday, a preliminary inquiry was held for Ameralik concerning a charge of sexual assault, two charges of possession of stolen property, and one of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

After the inquiry, Gorin said the charges will go to trial before a judge and jury, but a date wasn't set.