A Canadian chef had his plans to leave the Island abruptly postponed in Magistrates' Court yesterday when he was jailed for six months.

Former Fairmont Southampton Princess chef Shane Kenneth Leech was due to leave the Island next week as his work permit had expired out but Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said an immediate prison sentence was warranted for stealing more than $9,000 worth of jewellery last August.

Leech, 29, pleaded guilty to stealing a pouch of jewellery that contained sapphire rings, diamond earrings, gold necklace, rings and watches on August 17 when he broke and entered his neighbour's apartment.

The victim had left the Sunset apartment complex on North Shore the day before the robbery to get medical treatment overseas.

Leech went to the apartment at about 2.30 a.m. the next day and tried to open a window. When that failed he kicked in a front door panel, reached in and unlocked the door.

He rummaged around and found a black pouch containing jewellery in the closet and left the same way he got in.

The next day, another neighbour found the damage and called the Police.

Crown counsel Charmaine Smith told Mr. Warner that the initial Police investigation was hampered during the absence of the victim because they could not identify if anything was stolen.

When the victim returned from overseas she told Police the black pouch containing $9,250 worth of jewellery was missing.

Further investigations led the Police to Leech's apartment where they found the missing black pouch underneath his bed.

Chef jailed for two years Mrs. Smith said all the property was recovered and Leech admitted to breaking and entering the apartment during a Police interview.

He told Police he was stressed because he broke up with his girlfriend and was drunk at the time of the crime.

Leech told Mr. Warner: "I apologise for all the trouble I've caused. It was a bad time in my life -- I've since been seeing a doctor and I'd like to get on with my life.'' Mr. Warner pressed him, asking if that was all Leech had to say. "I'll never do this ever again,'' said Leech.

Mr. Warner said: "I don't understand the relationship between you having difficulty and you leaving your home at 2.30 in the morning, knowing your neighbour was away, and kicking in the door and stealing jewellry.

"I'm trying to understand,'' Mr. Warner added.

Leech said: "That particular two weeks of my life was hell.'' Mr. Warner continued: "Police searched your apartment some two months later and find you have some of the same property that was stolen, stashed.

"Clearly you intended to keep it,'' said Mr. Warner.

Leech defended himself, saying he intended to give it back.

Mr. Warner said: "I've considered the facts as set out and I've considered the defendant's attempt at explanation. I've considered the defendant's plea of guilt and his cooperation with Police.

"I've considered previous good character with no convictions in this jurisdiction.

"However, this is a serious and callous crime. Aggravated by the fact the defendant knew that the complainant was abroad and the fact that he lived in the community.

"Apart from the fact the defendant says that this was a difficult time of his life, there are no pressing mitigating circumstances.

"This was breaking and entering and the invasion of another's property in the night time. I view this as a very serious offence with over $9,000 worth of jewellery being stolen.

"In all the circumstances this offence calls for an immediate custodial sentence. The defendant is sentenced to six months imprisonment.'' A teary eyed Leech was then led from the court room, muttering: "But....''