five years in prison for stealing more than $135,000 in cash and valuables from visitors.

Andre Kirk Hypolite, of Parsons Road, had pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to five charges of breaking and entering.

He also asked that 70 similar offences be taken into consideration.

Between May 30 and May 31, Hypolite went on a weekend crime spree, breaking into hotel rooms at Cambridge Beaches, Newstead, Astwood Cove and others.

Hypolite admitted stealing more than $500 in cash, 2,000 German Deutschmarks, a $4,000 Rolex watch, a $175 Seiko watch, a $100 filofax, and a pair of $89 sunglasses.

The Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp sent his case to the Supreme Court last week after noting the seriousness and number of offences Hypolite faced and the limited sentencing powers of the lower court.

Lawyer Mr. Michael Scott asked Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Meerabux to be lenient in sentencing Hypolite because he had spent his teenage years in various foster homes.

Noting Hypolite's age and the fact that he pleaded guilty to the offences, Mr.

Scott said Hypolite had recognised "the error of his ways''.

Crown Counsel Mrs. Charlene Scott said Hypolite's actions were damaging to the tourism industry.

She called for a term of imprisonment of five years.

Mr. Meerabux told Hypolite burglary was a "very serious'' offence.

"When there is burglary, great distrust is caused,'' he said. "Not only are possessions lost, but there is a loss of security.'' Hypolite apologised for his "wrongful doings' 'and asked for forgiveness.

"I never had a home-sweet-home upbringing,'' he told Mr. Meerabux. "Maybe this was retaliating because I was taken away from my mother.'' Hypolite said he began drinking and using cocaine after his girlfriend's pregnancy was terminated.

"I wish I never took the drug,'' he said. "It stripped me of my morals, pride and self-esteem.'' He stressed that he particularly wanted to apologise to his mother because he knew he had "brought shame on her shoulders''.

He sentenced Hypolite to four and a half years in prison for each charge. The sentences were to run concurrently.