A convicted rapist and serial hotel burglar stole from a US couple on their first night on honeymoon in Bermuda, a court heard.

Robin Stovell, 45, swiped $200 cash, a $300 silver money clip, a ladies wallet and bank cards after climbing onto a balcony and through the unlocked sliding door of a guest room at The Reefs.

The victims — Thomas Sinas and Michelle Kehr, both 29, of Minneapolis, Minnesota — have vowed to return to Bermuda despite their ordeal.

"You have a wonderful country and very nice people, said Mr. Sinas, a lawyer, after hearing news that Stovell has been jailed for three years.

"Everyone in Bermuda took very good care of us and it was resolved quickly. The Bermuda Police were very professional and courteous and the staff at The Reefs were fantastic and took care of us. We'll be back in Bermuda and back to The Reefs."

However, Mr. Sinas remains upset about the loss of the money clip, which was a gift from his grandfather and of sentimental value to him.

It is sterling silver with gold trim, and has the name Thomas G. Sinas engraved on it.

Mr. Sinas appealed for anyone that can help to call Bermuda Police, telling The Royal Gazette: "I will offer a reward to get it back. I just really want it back."

During a Magistrates' Court hearing — at which the victims were not present — Crown counsel Nicole Smith explained how they awoke on September 18 to find their belongings gone.

Police found fingerprints on the glass door matching those of Stovell. The defendant was arrested in the early hours of October 10 in Brunswick Street, Pembroke.

Stovell, of Dundonald Street, Pembroke, denied the theft during a Police interview but pleaded guilty when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner.

He told Mr. Warner: "I have a drug problem. I need help. I can't go through this here no more."

The Magistrate told Stovell the maximum sentence is five years, but he got credit for pleading guilty.

He expressed concern over Stovell's lengthy rap sheet, which dates back 27 years and includes numerous hotel break-ins and a rape in 1985.

"Drug addiction or not, he is a persistent offender whose history shows he preys, among other things, on hotels and guest residences... all offences like this, especially (committed by) people of his background should be deterred.

"As I said, it must be an aggravating situation that this offence was committed against tourists in their hotel room," said Mr. Warner.

He jailed Stovell for three years and ordered that he spends two years on probation upon his release, during which he must undergo a drug treatment and rehabilitation programme.