The man who admitted impersonating Opposition MP Michael Dunkley and taking almost $160,000 from his accounts was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday.

Maxwell Sinclair Roberts, 38, of no fixed abode, was charged with eight counts of fraud in Supreme Court.

Crown counsel Anthony Blackman said Roberts went to the Transport Control Department(TCD) on November 24, 2003 and told a cashier that he was Michael Dunkley.

He paid $20 and had a photograph taken, then received a driver's licence with Michael Dunkley's name on it, his age, and address.

Roberts then travelled to Capital G Bank purporting to be Michael Dunkley and got two bank drafts each in the sum of $39,891.74.

He continued to the Bank of Butterfield where he obtained $49,901.74 in a manager's cheque and $29,781 in cash.

Upon leaving the bank he travelled to Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) where he deposited $14,780.

He spent the rest on $4,600 worth of jewellery from Crisson's, $286 in clothes, and $6,308 for a three week stay at the Hamilton Princess.

He then requested a bank draft at the Bank of Bermuda for $1,205,866.21 on November 25, 2003.

Someone at the bank realised that Roberts was not Mr. Dunkley and notified the Police.

He was arrested at the bank before he obtained the draft of over $1 million. Mr. Blackman told the court: "In interviews with Police he admitted everything."

Roberts has numerous convictions of a like nature including breaking and entering.

In the Crown's submissions Mr. Blackman said: "The offences demand an immediate custodial sentence. The defendant has a long history of involvement in criminal activity.

"Our submission is that this defendant has no respect for the law or property of others."

The defendant admitted that he was motivated by greed, he said.

The court heard that Roberts committed the offences only a few days after being released from Westgate, having served time on a separate matter.

Defence lawyer Llewellyn Peniston said: "Mr. Roberts admitted the offences at the time of his arrest and has helped Police recover a substantial amount of the stolen proceeds."

He described his client as "a typical individual who has fallen through the cracks of society" and requested a three to four year sentence.

Roberts wanted to apologise to Mr. Dunkley and make amends, he said.

Puisne Judge Norma Wade Miller asked Roberts if he had anything to say.

Mr. Roberts replied: "Even if I wanted to commit this crime again I wouldn't because I do not want to die in prison." He described to the court his failing health.

"My kidneys, liver, and thyroids are shot ? all I ask judge is some mercy."

Mrs. Justice Wade Miller said: "You have a long history of criminal involvement for the same crime.

"On counts one, three, four, five, six, and seven ? I sentence you to four years. And on count two I sentence you to two years, on count eight ? 18 months. All to run concurrent. Time spent in prison is to be taken into consideration and I will make a recommendation that you involve yourself in counselling.

"The funds that are being held at the BIU must be released and returned."