a handbag from a spectator during the Heritage Day Parade.

On Monday Dennis Edward Steede, of Cataract Hill, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to stealing the bag and its contents, which included a cell phone and cash, from Joan Dill.

The court heard that Ms Dill and several friends were watching the Heritage Day festivities on Front Street. She set her bag down beside her and later noticed it was missing.

Police officers arrested Steede the following day and found that the cell phone had been removed and the bag had been thrown away.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner asked Steede why he committed the crime.

Steede said: "I done it because I need some shoes and I can't work because of an illness.'' Mr. Warner noted Steede had appeared in the courts several times for similar offences and had asked for mercy each time.

He said: "Mr. Steede, I've had mercy on you again and again.'' Steede responded: "What could you do? Send me to prison? Where does that leave me?'' "Protection of the public from you if you are going to do it over and over again,'' said Mr. Warner.

Mr. Warner gave Steede a 12-month prison sentence and activated two suspended sentences -- for three months and nine months -- from previous crimes.

BREAK-INS NETTED NEARLY $6,000 CTS Break-ins netted nearly $6,000 A 34-year-old Pembroke man has pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to stealing nearly $6,000 worth of goods during a string of breaking and entering offences.

And on Monday Warren Dean Conrad Mallory, was ordered to appear in Supreme Court for sentencing following his confession.

Mallory, of Swansbay Hill, admitted committing eight breaking and entering offences at various locations including private homes, schools and businesses in April and May of this year.

The court heard he was spotted after one of his break-ins and was caught by Police.

When he was searched, officers found a number of stolen items in his possession and later recovered a blue duffel bag which contained other stolen goods.

He admitted committing the crimes but refused to divulge who he sold the missing merchandise to.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner ordered the case to be handed over to the Supreme Court for sentencing.

HEAVY FINE FOR CYCLE RIDER CTS Heavy fine for cycle rider Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner yesterday fined a man more than $3,000 for several offences of speeding and riding a bike without a licence and insurance.

And Chae Simmons, 22, could end up going to jail if the fines are not paid off by the end of this month.

Simmons, of Talavera Lane, St. George's, appeared in Magistrates' Court after failing to appear in relation to the charges on a number of previous occasions.

He was charged with seven offences on February 28 and March 1 this year.

One was for speeding, two for driving without a licence, two for driving without a vehicle licence and two for driving without insurance.

Mr. Warner handed down fines amounting to $3,040 and at first said they had to be paid immediately.

He said: "The maximum fine for riding a cycle on the road with no insurance is $5,000.

"It would seem that you don't care. I'm tempted to fine you $5,000, not only to protect you, but to protect the rest of the public from you.

"You keep on doing this foolishness and you do it with total disregard for the law.

"If you go and hit someone and they are injured and then you come to court, you don't have the money to pay for it.

"This is for your brothers on the street -- I hope you have the money to pay.

You boys are something else. If anybody fined me $3,000 I would cry.'' Simmons replied: "It won't happen again.'' Mr. Warner initially refused to give him time to pay but Simmons' uncle told the court that his nephew was currently working for him and he would take responsibility for the fines.