than $10,000 worth of Yamaha 50cc bikes, Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Former Bermuda College student Patrick Burcher stole motorbikes belonging to three fellow students while they were in class last October and November, the court heard.

In the summer holidays, the 17-year-old Warwick resident hit Horseshoe Bay parking lot, riding off on two stolen Yamahas. And around Christmas-time he stole a sixth Yamaha from outside Oscar's nightclub in Hamilton.

Burcher stole some of the 50cc bikes, each valued at $1,775, allegedly with the help of another youth who is to be charged at a later date, prosecutor Sgt. Kenrick James said.

All but one of the bikes had been locked, he said.

Four were recovered at a Riviera Estates, Southampton residence in "stripped'' condition, he said. But the other two were never found.

"So what I'm being told here is that you stole other college students' cycles while you were supposed to be in school?,'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis asked.

Burcher, who pleaded guilty to all six charges, said he was very sorry and "it would never happen again''. He said he had been suffering "emotional problems'' at the time.

He added that he lived with his mother and father and was planning to go abroad to college.

Mr. Francis said the case "clearly warranted'' a social inquiry report and adjourned it for sentencing until May 19.