and money -- but who escaped from Police and later turned himself in was yesterday sentenced to almost a month in jail.

Carlton Eugene Minors, 28, of Great Bay Road, pleaded guilty to escaping from Police on June 1; he was being held until his court appearance for theft.

Crown Counsel Larry Mussenden said during a cell check at 4.30 a.m. it was discovered Minors' cell door was open and the lock had been tampered with.

Minors called Police the next day to turn himself in and was apprehended at his home.

When Magistrate Edward King asked if he had anything to say, Minors replied: "I was at the Police Station for four days. I was not allowed to contact a lawyer or have any phone calls or visitors.'' Mr. King sentenced him to 28 days in prison, with the sentence reflecting the fact that Minors had pleaded guilty and turned himself in.

Mr. King then decided to send Minors up to the Supreme Court for outstanding offences. He is jointly charged along with Lincoln Christopher for breaking into a private home and stealing $17,000 worth of money and jewellery. He is also charged with accepting stolen property.

CAREER THIEF WITHDRAWS APPEAL COA Career thief withdraws appeal A convicted thief abruptly withdrew his appeal application when he was warned it could lead to an even longer jail sentence.

Anthony Swan, who is already serving seven years for stealing, received the news from Court of Appeal President Sir James Astwood, who told him he could easily see his imprisonment increased to ten years.

Swan, 37, who it was said at his trial was a "career criminal'' hastily withdrew his plea to seek leave to appeal against his sentence.

Sir James Astwood said: "Do you know what you are up against? You are pretty well experienced in burglary, how much do you think the judge should have given you, ten years?'' "The judge down below (Supreme Court) was wrong, he should have given you three and seven years consecutive.'' Swan, of Rockaway Estates, Southampton, was found guilty of stealing a handbag and assaulting a police officer.

He received a total of seven years imprisonment, but an appeal from Crown Counsel Charlene Scott for preventative detention -- which could have led to a term of up to 14 years -- was rejected.

Sir James Astwood told Swan: "If you get leave to appeal from us, if we disagree with the judge who sentenced you, we can give you another sentence -- but it can go up or down. Do you expect it to go up?'' Swan replied: "I think it could go down. I have no other choice but to accept it.'' Swan, who represented himself -- said he had no complaints about his conviction and admitted that he knew his sentence could have been as high as 14 years.

Sir James Astwood said he didn't think he could be expecting to get less and asked Swan whether he wanted to withdraw his application, Swan replied: "yes''.

The application was withdrawn.

Carlton Minors makes his way to court yesterday