months of probation.

Wendell W. Ible, of East Shore Road, Sandys Parish had pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court earlier this year to trying to break into a home on April 23.

Ible told the court: "I am very sorry for my actions and I have rededicated my life to the Lord.'' He added that he was trying to keep his life in order especially now that he had the responsibility of caring for his sick father -- an ex-Prison Officer.

Crown Counsel Jo-Dina Pearman said Ible was spotted crouching beneath an open kitchen window by a woman who then screamed. Ible ran away but left behind a notepad with his name on it which Police found before they arrested him.

Ible told the court he had been fined $800 for impaired driving on the day of the attempted burglary and was angry and frustrated which was why he tried to break in to the house on "the spur of the moment''.

The court heard that Ible, who was represented by Elizabeth Christopher, had a long history of breaking and entering convictions and an alcohol problem.

Ms Christopher said her client needed supervision to help him beat his substance abuse problem and recommended community service or probation while Ms Pearman suggested 12 to 18 months imprisonment.

Ms Pearman said this should make Ible get the help he required but Ms Christopher stressed that he needed to be supervised for a long period of time to ensure he continued to receive treatment.

She warned that if Ible was sent to jail he would spend only a short time there before he was released as he had spent three months in jail awaiting his sentence.

In sentencing Ible, Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux said the crime was serious but he felt he could give Ible a last chance to settle down and end his substance abuse.