A 35-year-old man who has been in and out of jail for the last 14 years for stealing and dishonesty charges will spend almost 18 months in prison.

McNeil Wilson, of Rose Hill, Southampton pleaded guilty to trespassing, stealing and breaking and entering a vessel that was docked at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC).

On January 25 Wilson climbed aboard a boat owned by the RHADC and took a cordless Dewalt drill, a Phillips screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He then boarded the Avalon, which was also docked at RHADC. He told Police he only intended to use the tools to "jimmy" the Avalon. Instead, he pulled the locked cabin hatch off its rails. The estimated damage to the boat was $5,106.78.

In court yesterday, Wilson tearfully told Puisne judge Ian Kawaley that his only intent on the Avalon was to rest after he had spent three days doing drugs.

Wilson read the court a letter he had written to the judge. "I wanted to detoxify and think about my problems. I didn't want to face my responsibilities."

He continued: "I ask you for help, your worship."

Wilson told the court that he had not been able to be a father to his two children. He said he was an "embarrassment" to his family again.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines said Wilson had received non-custodial sentences and probation in several of the more than 56 acts of stealing and dishonesty. He added that he had not taken the benefits from any non-custodial programmes.

He recommended that Wilson receive a custodial sentence and also probation, which will be "hanging over his head" when he is eventually released from prison.

Mr. Justice Kawaley said: "It is difficult for me to be optimistic that any decision I make today will result in you turning your life around."

He added that Wilson needed incarceration along with help.

"You really need to work harder on dealing with your addiction problems."

Mr. Justice Kawaley advised the man to "prepare" and "strengthen" himself before he is again released from prison so he can deal with his family.

He sentenced Wilson to three months for trespassing, 18 months for stealing and 18 months for breaking and entering a decked vessel all to run concurrently with time taken into consideration.