which netted $675 in cash -- and caused nearly $6,000 worth of property damage.

Charles Albert Christopher, 32, pleaded guilty to five counts of breaking and entering and theft in Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

But when the Senior Magistrate noted his lengthy criminal record for theft, he sent him to Supreme Court for sentencing.

Hearing yesterday that Christopher was unrepresented and being treated at St.

Brendan's Hospital, Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ground adjourned the matter for sentencing.

"I am unhappy about continuing with this until the question of legal aid has been clarified, particularly as he tells me he is being treated for some sort of problem,'' Mr. Justice Ground said.

He added that given Christopher's past record, he is in for a "substantial term of imprisonment this time''.

Crown counsel Mr. Mark Pettingill said Christopher committed all the break-ins in Sandys Parish during a weekend in July.

He broke into a house through an insecure bedroom window and stole a wallet and $20.

He then went to four businesses which had closed for the day. He broke into Woody's Drive-in by smashing a window and stole two Elephants and $410 from a filing cabinet.

Forcing open a shutter, he climbed through a window to get into Trojaniers Barber Shop and stole an envelope containing $177. He then used a screwdriver to open a cash register and stole $10 in coins. Before leaving he smashed open a pay phone and emptied it of $10 in dimes.

At Dean's Bakery he broke a glass door but did not steal anything.

He ended the spree at Somerset Primary School where he smashed a glass window and then bashed in the door to the principal's office with a fire extinguisher. He stole $12 cash from the principal's desk drawer.

Christopher was arrested as a result of information received.

Mr. Pettingill said he caused considerable damage to the five places he broke into. The principal's door alone cost $4,900 to replace.

Mr. Pettingill said Christopher has convictions for stealing food, and starting last June, stealing money. He also has convictions for possessing cannabis and cocaine.

Mr. Pettingill said Christopher told Police he committed the offences because he was addicted to cocaine.

Christopher said he had not heard back from the legal aid committee and was receiving treatment at St. Brendan's "to keep me from doing the things that happened''.