A man who told a Supreme Court judge that he wanted to get his life back on track was told that spending some time behind bars would test his commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Yesterday Toriano Elmario Dunkley, 33, was sentenced by Puisne Judge Charles- Etta Simmons to four years in prison for two charges of housebreaking.

Dunkley was sentenced to spend four years in prison for the first offence and three years in prison for the second offence with the two sentences to run concurrently.

In 2002, Dunkley broke into the home of Leon Simmons. He was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict.

In 2003, he broke into the Devonshire home of Allison Hillen and stole her jewellery. Crown Counsel Anthony Blackman told the court that a sentence of a sufficient magnitude must be imposed to deter others who attempt to steal.

Lawyer Mark Pettingill said his client?s resolve to live a drug free life must be taken into consideration by the court since he was taking steps to deal with his addiction through counselling.

?He is seeking a last leap of faith from the court,? said Mr. Pettingill. ?He has done some positive work and he needs the opportunity to get back out into society.?

Justice Simmons said breaking into people?s homes and stealing was a serious offence.

?The court is not convinced that court resources or a long court sentence will help you. You have the opportunity to test your resolve ? if you can survive prison intact that will service you well.?

Dunkley had had access to Camp Spirit and the Harbour Lights programme but had been asked to leave due to his attitude.

Before his sentence Dunkley told the court that he wanted to get his life back on track.

?I?ve achieved a whole lot. I got my family back, I?ve quit marijuana I want to get my life back and I haven?t re-offended while on bail. I?ve got rid of cocaine and hard drugs and I realise my faults. I?m ready to adjust my life.?