A skilled artisan with a "Robin Hood complex" was sentenced to time served and a probation order yesterday in Supreme Court for stealing over $6,000 in property from three homes early last year.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Charles-Etta Simmons put a two year probation order on Hubert Nathalston Spence Jr. in order that Spence's criminal offences may be handled in the new drug court.

The probation order followed the findings of a psychiatric report on Spence, 46, of Hermitage Road, Devonshire, which was ordered last month.

Spence is reportedly a talented craftsman and artist but also an admitted drug user with extensive psychiatric issues.

He was sentenced on guilty pleas to three stealing offences - the first of which was committed at about 7.15 p.m. on January 24, 2001.

Spence broke into a Pembroke home and stole a video, surround-sound amplifier and a double cassette player worth $1,150 in total.

The other offences for which Spence was sentenced yesterday occurred on March 9 of last year.

He was apprehended by Police after officers responded to a report report that a man was spotted breaking into Smith's residence.

As officers were searching the area they saw Spence, who fitted the description, walking with a black shopping bag.

Spence attempted to hide the stolen goods from two apartment break-ins - eight rings and a chain, stereo equipment, a building trowel, some gold jewellery and three packets of white socks - before Police approached him.

The good were valued at $5,093.

All stolen good from Spence's crime spree were recovered, the court heard yesterday.

Justice Simmons noted that the psychiatric report did not say Spence committed the offences because of his substance abuse problems.

"It goes a little deeper than that," she said.

"He has a Robin Hood complex," said defence lawyer Larry Mussenden, although he noted he had only a brief opportunity to study the psychiatric report.

Crown prosecutor Juan Wolffe recommended that Spence be remanded to custody until his matter can be considered by the drug court next week.

Spence has already served 11 months in prison for the offences on a remand basis.

Justice Simmons explained the conditions of her probation order to Spence and that non-compliance would result in a prison term.

"I appreciate this chance to turn my life around and I hope I am not going to fail," said Spence on sentencing.

"I'm not leaving here with failing in my head."