Two thieves who stole over $7,000 from the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society and then spent the loot on prostitutes, drugs and a hotel room learned the cost of their hedonistic crime spree yesterday.

Dwayne Robert Young, 35, and Norman Sonny Bell, 39, were sentenced in Supreme Court by Chief Justice Austin Ward.

Prosecutor Oonagh Goodred told the court the two men broke into the BMDS building on October 7, 2000. Bell admitted he broke into BMDS first and stole a number of bottles of liquor and a VCR which he later sold, using the money to buy drugs.

That same night, Bell invited Young to participate in a second break-in where -- in addition to stealing alcohol and cigarettes -- the two, using hammers and a screwdriver, broke into a safe containing $5,800.

The men then used the money to secure a room in a guest house, purchase drugs and "entertain the services of prostitutes,'' said Ms Goodred.

BMDS security cameras caught both men on camera during the robbery. Both Bell and Young pleaded guilty to the crime in Magistrate's Court last October.

Ms Goodred pointed out that Bell, who was sentenced to four years for breaking into Fantasea Dive Shop earlier in the same session of Supreme Court, committed the BMDS break in while on bail for that crime.

The court also heard that Bell had 36 previous convictions while Young's criminal record extended over some 17 pages and dates back to 1982.

Appearing on behalf of Young, defence attorney Liz Christopher argued that her client was the follower rather than the leader in the crime and had only participated in the crime for a few hours.

She also suggested that Bell rather than her client had benefited from the bulk of the loot.

"Not necessarily,'' said Mr. Justice Ward, "He got some monetary value but also drug benefits and also some benefit from the ladies of the night.'' Ms Christopher also presented a letter from the Focus drug treatment programme at Camp Spirit, Darrell's Island which indicated that Young has been accepted into their programme. The next session is to begin October 1 and Ms Christopher asked that whatever sentence the court handed down allow Young to be involved in that programme.

Attorney Larry Mussenden appeared for Bell. He argued that Bell had not really benefited from the activity with the ladies of the night. "They weren't up to the quality that one would expect from ladies that are professionals,'' said Mr. Mussenden.

"That might be something he'd have to take up with the ladies themselves,'' replied Mr. Justice Ward.

Justice Mr. Ward sentenced Young to three years imprisonment for the crime and concurred that Bell's role in the crime had been greater, sentencing him to five years in prison. Time served is to be taken into account for both and Mr.

Justice Ward recommended both for drug treatment.