only weeks after being released from jail was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison at Supreme Court.

Puisne Judge Norma Wade heard that Raymond Perrott, 31, had a string of convictions stretching back to the age of 12 -- and Crown counsel Leighton Rochester asked for a five year sentence.

Mrs. Justice Wade told the accused she had taken into account pleas for clemency by lawyer Mark Pettingill -- who asked for a two year sentence -- because of Perrott's remorse and assistance to Police.

But she said: "There is a high risk you will reoffend, therefore you continue to pose a serious risk to the community.'' She added, however, that programmes were now available in prison to cut the risk of another brush with the law.

And she said: "With this in mind, the sentence of the court is three years on count one and three years on count two -- with the condition you take part in such rehabilitation programmes.'' Perrot admitted grabbing a handbag from the shoulder of Jacqueline Mackay on South Road on the night of January 21 and riding off on the stolen bike -- which he admitted stealing from room-mate Simone Sampson while it was parked outside the house the two shared with others on Fenton's Drive, Pembroke.

Mr. Rochester told the court that Perrott rode slowly alongside Ms Mackay as she walked.

She asked him to leave her alone and tried to flag down a passing taxi, which failed to stop. Ms Mackay then ducked up a driveway hoping to shake of Perrot.

But when she thought the coast was clear, Perrott reapppeared, stood in front of her and, despite her screams, snatched the bag and rode off.

A passing motorist chased Perrott while she called the Police from her home.

Perrott turned into a driveway on South Road, Devonshire, fell off the cycle, but escaped through undergrowth.

He was arrested and interviewed by Police after the bike's owner reported it missing early the next day.

Mr. Pettingill told the court that the accused had a lengthy record -- but added he had seen far worse.

HOMELESS MAN USED OFFENSIVE WORDS CTS Homeless man used offensive words A 21-year-old homeless man who used offensive words in public was remanded in custody yesterday, pending a social inquiry report.

Nathan Baron, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to using offensive words in a public place on March 31.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said Police were called to a domestic dispute between Baron and his stepfather on Ferrar's Lane, Pembroke, around 7.45 p.m.

When Police were trying to serve Baron with a registered letter from his stepfather he began swearing at the officers.

Sgt. Taylor said Baron was arrested after he ignored the officer's warnings about his language.

Yesterday he added that Baron was a patient at St. Brendan's Hospital, but had failed to continue taking his medication.

"They tried to get him back, but he doesn't want to go as an outpatient,'' Sgt. Taylor said. "We are looking for treatment, not punishment.'' But Baron told Senior Magistrate Will Francis the medication was the reason he was avoiding treatment.

"They were giving me medication that was addictive,'' Baron claimed.

"I can't work when I'm on tranquillisers,'' he added. "I was doing construction for my own family and they fired me. You can't work when your on tranquillisers. They make you sleepy and dopey.'' Duty counsel Sonia Grant informed the court that Baron had been rejected by his family as a result of his "problems''.

Mr. Francis remanded Baron in custody until April 14 when a social inquiry report is expected to be completed.