blame the Government and the community for their wrongdoings.

And sentencing Darren Sinclair Edwards to three years in prison yesterday the Chief Justice said that the defendant was healthy and intelligent enough to make a living without crime.

Edwards, 25, of no fixed abode, read from a prepared speech, that he had turned to theft as a means of survival after he was given a bad start in life.

Crown Counsel Mr. Mark Pettingill said Police had arrested Edwards following a break-in at the Lewis and Lewis furniture retailers on Dundonald Street West, in Hamilton.

The break-in had occurred between January 17-18, and was discovered by the owner who found that $200 had been stolen.

Police questioned Edwards and then took him to the scene of the crime where a fingerprint was found at the rear window where the break-in had taken place.

It was matched to Edwards.

Edwards' record included a previous raid on the store and involved a lot of petty theft including that of toothpaste and soap.

The defendant had admitted his guilt and told the court that family problems had led to a bad start in life. A lack of education had led to a lack of jobs.

Edwards said: "At 22 years old I began to break the law as a means of survival rather than for any personal gain. I am salvageable.

"I need help to help myself to become an upright citizen of Bermuda. I need help for alcoholism and financial management.

"I am at my hope's end but I am truly willing to pull myself out of this mire that I have allowed myself to fall into.'' The Chief Justice said: "I have seen more and more of you fellows and the intelligence level is going up.

"You have been given plenty of chances. You are physically fit, you have your health and you have intelligence. You can, surely, make some sort of living for yourselves.

"Everybody is looking to the Government and the community to do something for them. I am losing patience with you fellows.''