A long-haul trucker who paid his tab at a Niagara Falls gentlemen's club with counterfeit cash has been granted an absolute discharge.

Takura Choga was expected to stand trial Thursday in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on several charges relating to counterfeit money.

Court heard the Crown's office had several challenges pertaining to the case such as potential identity issues, and agreed to accept a guilty plea to a count of fraud under $5,000.

The charge stems from an incident at the Sundowner in September 2018. Court heard Choga, 33, ordered a $255 cognac and gave the waitress three $100 U.S. bills.

The currency was later determined to be fake.

An absolute discharge means a finding of guilt is made but no conviction is registered.

Judge Donald Wolfe noted a criminal record may have resulted in employment issues for the trucker as he would no longer be welcome in the United States.

Choga also entered into a 12-month peace bond and agreed to stay away from the Lundy's Lane club.