changed his plea in Magistrates' Court.

Dwayne G. Gilbert, 35, of Granaway Heights, Southampton, told Senior Magistrate Will Francis on Tuesday that at the time of his initial plea he was advised by duty counsel Tyrone Chin that he had a better chance of getting bail on a related theft charge if he pleaded guilty to the first offence.

Gilbert also said he was not "fully functioning'' at the time because Police had "severely beaten'' him the night before while he was in custody.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor told the court he was "totally unprepared for this...'' and offered no evidence.

Gilbert requested to be released on bail in light of his change of plea, but Mr. Francis declined.

Noting Gilbert had admitted to having a serious drug problem, Mr. Francis said he would not feel comfortable letting him back into the community.

He remanded Gilbert in custody and ordered him to return to court for mention on July 8.