Magistrates heard last week.

But Victor Trott, who is currently serving time in prison for breaking and entering, claimed he has put his life of crime behind him.

He added he was looking forward to a fresh start when he was released next year.

Before sentencing, the Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp asked him why he stole a Honda Lead scooter worth $1,000 from outside the home of a Paget woman.

"I was on crack and alcohol,'' Trott replied.

Prosecutor Insp. Peter Duffy said Police stopped Trott near Khyber Pass last year. Trott ditched the bike and fled. He was arrested after officers found him hiding behind a house and confessed to the theft.

"I am progressing,'' he told Ms Mapp yesterday. "I have recently been made assistant chef and I am getting my life together. I am looking forward to being released in January 1996 when I will become a decent citizen.'' Ms Mapp gave Trott a six-month prison sentence suspended for a year.

She also put Trott on probation for two years after his release.