A homeless man sentenced to three years in prison begged the Magistrate for more jail time — and was handed an additional 12 months.

Jahnia Thompson, an admitted drug addict, told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner he would return to his old habits the instant he got out of jail and pleaded for a longer sentence in hopes of proper rehabilitation.

Thompson, of no fixed abode, was in court on multiple charges.

Principal Crown Counsel Michael McColm said the 32-year-old broke into Clear View Guest apartments on September 28 and stole computers valued at $2,650 and clothing worth $475.

Thompson also broke into a My Lord's Bay home and stole several pieces of jewellery worth $5000 and valuable commemorative United States coins.

Police were on patrol near the Swizzle Inn restaurant when they noticed Thompson hiding in the trees counting the coins and wearing a t-shirt with the logo 'Big Red Events', later discovered to be stolen.

On searching Thompson, Police discovered more coins and a plant like material which, on testing, was discovered to be 2.43 grams of cannabis.

He was taken to South Side Police station for questioning.

Thompson who has a history of similar offences, yesterday told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner: "I need help because I'm tired of going in and out in and out. It's not good.

"They just release me from prison with no plan, nowhere to live and I just end up doing the same thing over and over again."

Mr. Warner sentenced him to three years in prison and two years probation. Thompson pleaded with the Magistrate not to give him probation arguing that it does not work.

He said: "I don't want to do probation. I don't feel that these guys do their job that is why we end up back here I would rather just stay in jail and get treatment there."

Mr. Warner subsequently sentenced him to four years in prison.