prison yesterday after assaulting two visitors with intent to commit a robbery.

Earlier this year he pleaded not guilty to robbing Harold and Brenda Chisholm with a knife on October 26 last year.

He also denied stealing a motorcycle owned by Dennis Maynard between October 26 and October 30, 1992.

And on October 29, 1992 he stole from another person.

Yesterday in the Supreme Court Det. Sgt. Graham Ward said that Lightbourne had a lengthy history of breaking and entering, assault, unlawful wounding and theft dating back to 1985.

Mr. Archie Warner, representing Lightbourne, said: "The defendant is 27 years old and does not come before the court with an unblemished record. Many of the charges relate to various forms of assault and there is no doubt that he is a fighter.

"These convictions are largely to do with altercations. The defendant had pleaded guilty to theft, and stealing from a person, which carries a maximum of three years in prison and he has pleaded not guilty to robbery. He is entitled to some discount for his guilty pleas.'' Mr. Warner added that a social inquiry report attempted to explain the circumstances under which the robbery of the tourists occurred.

"The explanation given is consistent with my instructions. The defendant was under family pressure. He accompanied another person and was in a weak frame of mind.

"He went to a friend, confided in him and ended up taking drugs and drinking and then an attempted robbery occurred.'' Mr. Warner also said Lightbourne was the passive of the two during the attack and he clearly admitted it was he who stole the purse but said the proceeds went to the other person.

"While in custody he felt some remorse and assisted Police in the recovery of the victims' property,'' he said.

Mr. Warner also told the court that Lightbourne was from a good family, raised by his mother, a pastor, and his father, a builder.

Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade said: "The excuse of being on drugs and that it was not his fault is a universal excuse. It is also said that he (Lightbourne) is a man of violence and not a thief.

"There is a need to protect visitors to this Island, if they are preyed on we can expect the dire consequences.'' Asked if he had anything to say, Lightbourne asked for the seven months he had served to be taken into consideration and said: "People are waiting to help me out, and I'm really looking forward to my future.'' Puisne Judge the Hon. Justice Meerabux said: "I am sure you are aware that these offences are serious. When committing a theft armed with a knife and stealing from a person, a knife becomes a highly dangerous weapon.

"I have listened to counsel's eloquent plea and the Solicitor General. I can imagine the pain you have caused to your family members. This type of conduct is unacceptable against any man, woman, or child and members of our society must be protected.'' He sentenced Lightbourne to three years in prison.