intruding on the privacy of a female.

The Supreme Court heard Johnn Edward Thompson, 44, of Westgate Correctional Facility entered a house on Mullet Bay, St. Davids around 3.15 a.m. on Friday February 26. He disturbed Evelyn Inocencio in the house of Ian and Donna Pilgrim.

Crown counsel Leighton Rochester told Chief Justice Austin Ward on Friday that Thompson, who had pleaded guilty, was a compulsive thief who refused a rehabilitation programme at Westgate Correctional Facility. Mr. Rochester said the offender had some 34 convictions since 1969, 19 of them for breaking and entering offences and two for intruding on the privacy of a female.

Chief Justice Austin Ward said: "He is not making any progress -- 25 years ago he appeared before me when I was a magistrate. He is still coming here with foolishness.'' Elizabeth Christopher, representing Thompson, told Mr. Justice Ward her client recognises he must get a custodial sentence. Ms. Christopher asked for a short jail term. The lawyer said credit should be given to Thompson for running away when he confronted the female in the house.

"Imagine finding someone in your closet at this time of the morning... you know, I feel defendants should pay their lawyers visits so they can relive the experiences of the victim,'' Mr. Justice Ward said.

Ms Christopher claimed drug use by her client could be blamed for his behaviour on release.

She told Mr. Justice Ward drugs are available at Westgate Correctional Facility and the court should take this into account.

"You have a public duty to give that information to the relevant authorities.

I do not believe that,'' said Mr. Justice Ward.

Thompson said he was released from prison without any money. He said he was not under the influence of drugs at the time he committed the offence.

"I had no place to stay on my release and no job,'' Thompson said.