Two serial thieves with drug problems both begged to be sent to rehab just moments before being jailed for stealing.

Kevin Howard, of Hamilton Parish, was in Magistrates’ Court yesterday to plead guilty to stealing $525 worth of items, including a Sony PlayStation, from PriceRite on March 15. He also admitted taking a motorcycle without consent on the same day.

Howard told Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo he made several attempts to enter a drug treatment programme but was denied admittance on each occasion.

Only days earlier Shannon Wilkinson, of Palm Valley, Southampton, also begged for help as he described how his cannabis addiction had led to a crime spree that saw him steal three laptop computers and a quantity of jewelry.

Howard’s comments were made as duty counsel Leo Mills said there might be some merit in referring his case to drug court for an assessment.

Mr Tokunbo though appeared unmoved: “I tried to give you a chance but I’m not wasting chances,” he said. “The only time you are not committing crime is when you are in jail. You have a history of stealing clothes and suits little boys do that but you’ve been doing it for 23 years.”

Mr Tokunbo then cited a long list of offences on Howard’s record dating back to 1992.

Howard replied: “I went to Turning Point and I did the assessment and I still couldn’t get in the programme.”

Mr Tokunbo ordered assessment reports and said he will determine whether or not Howard’s case will be dealt with in the drug court.

Howard was remanded into custody until May 4.

Mr Tokunbo also dealt with Williams, who he jailed for a series of break-ins.

Crown counsel Tawana Tannock said Wilkinson was caught after police responded to a reported burglary in progress at a Horseshoe Road residence, at 3.30am on March 14.

A man dressed in red and black had been spotted climbing out a window, and then driving away to nearby Palm Valley.

The subsequent search of his home uncovered three laptop computers and jewellery.

Wilkinson initially blamed an accomplice, but later admitted to the three break-ins as well as obstruction, possessing drug equipment and carrying equipment for stealing: a pair of white socks.

Ms Tannock said Wilkinson had been on probation for dishonesty offences at the time.

“I need some help,” Wilkinson told the court, saying he had an “addiction to marijuana” and would do anything for it.

“You’ve had help,” Mr Tokunbo responded. “You can’t get help unless you help yourself.”

He ordered social inquiry reports, and remanded Wilkinson in custody until his May 8 sentencing.