years in jail after pleading guilty to burglary.

Unemployed construction worker Rick Roydell Simmons, 34, pleaded for another chance to "change the direction of his life'' when he appeared at Supreme Court Two.

But Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux showed no mercy, passing sentences of two years, 18 months and six months, all to run concurrently, for eight offences committed in the last four months.

Describing Simmons as "a pathological burglar'' Justice Meerabux said: "You have to be discouraged from committing these offences and I think a custodial sentence is necessary so that you can reflect and receive the necessary help at that facility.'' The court heard how Simmons, who has a criminal record dating back to 1977, broke into several properties in a three month crime spree starting at the beginning of last November. His career in crime netted him nearly $2,000 in cash.

Before sentence was passed Simmons told the court that he had been institutionalised all his life and needed help rather than another spell in prison.

And he said he only committed the offences because he could not work and wanted to provide for his two young daughters.

"It's not that I don't want to work, I would love to work,'' he said.

"But sometimes I go to the fridge and there's nothing there for my children.

"It's not that I like stealing and I am asking the court to give me a chance to change my life around. I want that for my children and I am not using that as an excuse.'' But Justice Meerabux replied: "This is quite a catalogue of offences Mr.

Simmons.

"They are serious cases of breaking and entering in dwelling houses. It is not a nice thing for a house dweller to be at his or her home and someone enters that home.

"Occupants have a great sense of fear and loss and insecurity. They feel as though their privacy has been violated. When you steal it follows that you are going to do a search and that's the violation -- it doesn't matter if you just steal $10.

"People have the right to feel secure and protected in their own homes. You say you want to change but that is a two-way street. You have got to make the effort and put in your two cents. You can't just blame someone else for your actions, you have to take responsibility.''