A habitual thief was jailed for two years after sprinting out of a Hamilton jewellery store with a $1,200 bracelet on his wrist.

Jason Sinclair Liburd, 33, of Glebe Road, Pembroke, was imprisoned by Puisne Judge Archibald Warner for the latest infraction in a long criminal career and for his ?atrocious record for dishonesty?.

Liburd, whose previous convictions include possession of drugs, assaulting a Police officer, multiple counts of theft and carnal knowledge of an under age girl, walked into Sovereign Jewellers on Reid Street at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.

He asked to look at a showcase containing a yellow gold charm bracelet, worth $1,228.

He persuaded the attendant to let him try it on before fleeing the store. The manager attempted to chase him but Liburd escaped ? he was arrested three days later and admitted stealing the bracelet and told Police: ?Give me a chance to work to pay it back, rather than lock me up.?

In calling for a jail term for Liburd, crown counsel Waine Caines said: ?Society must be protected from proclivities.?

Liburd then attempted to launch into what was ultimately to be an incessant, mumbling and long-winded explanation for his crimes, but was interrupted by Mr. Justice Warner after the opening phrase: ?I?m an honest person.?

?You have an atrocious record for dishonesty,? said Mr. Justice Warner.

?You are a person of bad character with a horrendous record.?

Librud was then allowed to resume, and did so for around 20 minutes during which time he accused the Police of assaulting him after his arrest, said that he was criminal because people discouraged him and wouldn?t give him or his family a chance, and that he should only get a community sentence.

He said that he stole the jewellery to pay off a bill and then said he did so to pay for a visit to his father in Jamaica.

?The Police punched me in the face and hit me over the head with a flashlight ? that should be my punishment,? he said.

?I think it would be best for you not to give me time. I hate prison, I?d rather be on probation and get a job.

?I am overall a trustworthy person. I?m a nice person. I don?t lie, Mr. Judge.?

Mr. Justice Warner jailed him for two years and said: ?Your record clearly indicates to me what type of person you are.

?I have taken into account your social circumstances but I refuse to accept that because of your history that you have a right to go around robbing people and stealing from people.?