A 46-year-old man was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to burglary.

Troy Commissiong, of Brackish Pond Lane, Devonshire, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Magistrates' Court.

The court heard from Crown counsel Cindy Clarke that Wilfred Furbert was outside his home when he heard a noise coming from inside. Mr. Furbert spotted his neighbour, Commissiong, standing behind a door with a golf club in hand. He ordered Commissiong to leave his house then called Police.

Later that day, Commissioning was arrested and questioned about the offences by Police and told them he entered through a window and was looking for money.

When asked by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner if he had anything to say, Commissiong said: "I'm sorry to the complainant who has been my neighbour for over 30 years and I'm sorry for my lapse of judgment and foolish behaviour."

He added: "I have been doing well since my last conviction. I can't speak of the embarrassment I have caused to my family and I am sorry for my actions."

Mr. Warner said: "You broke into your neighbour's house to steal. I am going to take into account your early guilty plea which discounts you from the maximum five-year prison sentence. And I am also going to take into account that you are remorseful.

"I must consider your previous convictions since 1981. You have had serious drugs offences and heavy prison terms in addition to community service."

Commissiong was sentenced to three years in prison, two years probation and rehabilitation services.