purchase crack were sentenced recently in the Supreme Court.

Chris Winslow Ray, 30, and Norman Sonny Bell, 39, were undergoing drug treatment at the Focus facility on Darrell's Island in February of last year.

The two men left the island by boat and broke into Fantasea Dive Shop in the early hours of February 2. There, they stole a cash register valued at $350 and $250 in cash, Prosecutor Oonagh Goodred told Chief Justice Austin Ward in her summary of evidence.

The two men were rescued by Marine Police later that morning when found clinging to a marine beacon in rough seas. Their "borrowed'' boats had been hit by a freak storm and Marine Police took the men to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where they were treated for hypothermia.

They later told Police they had kayaked to Darrell's Wharf in order to purchase crack but found they didn't have enough money.

They then decided to rob the Fantasea shop and did so, but their efforts to return to Darrell's Island were thwarted by the storm.

Both men pleaded guilty to the breaking and entering charge previously in Magistrate's Court. The court heard that both men have substantial criminal records -- Ray has 41 previous convictions while Ball had 36.

Ray's defence attorney Marc Telemaque argued that Ray was trying to be a good father to his child despite his drug problems and suggested the court consider a sentence of three to four years.

Attorney Larry Mussenden similarly argued that while his client has a 20-year record of drug problems, he "should not be written off''.

Both men apologised for their offences: "I want to say I'm sorry to the community and Bermuda for making these offences,'' said Bell. "I would like to try and do something with my life. Drugs have ruined me.'' Ray attempted to deflect some blame from Bell who he referred to as friend.

"I put forward the idea,'' said Ray. "It was my idea and I take responsibility for that.'' However, Mr. Justice Ward said he made no distinction between the two men on culpability. Ray and Ball were each sentenced to four years imprisonment in Westgate Correctional facility and recommended for drug treatment.

Earlier in the Supreme Court session, Ray was also sentenced on six counts of breaking and entering. Ray pleaded guilty to breaking into Buckaroo restaurant, Contrology Bermuda, Joy Lusher Realty, Telford Electric, Bears Repeating and Baptiste Builders Supply in Magistrate's court in January.

Mr. Justice Ward sentenced him to concurrent sentences of four years on each count. Ray's sentence on the Fantasea break-in is not to be served concurrently.