sentenced to nine months in prison yesterday.

Kenneth Burrows, 24, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to intent to steal, demanding money with intent to injure, attempted robbery, two counts of breaking and entering and stealing a motorcycle.

Police prosecutor Sgt. John Dale told the court two visitors from the Meridian were riding along the main road out of Dockyard on June 15 when they were confronted by a masked man wielding a machete.

The two managed to escape and rode farther up the street and waited before attempting to ride back to the ship, Sgt. Dale said.

On the way back they were once again confronted by the same man who jumped out at them from some bushes outside of Lefroy House.

Burrows demanded cash and wallets from the visitors who, in fear for their lives, ran off leaving their cycle.

Sgt. Dale said Police were called and after an investigation arrested Burrows at a home on Cochrane Road in Sandys where they found the motorcycle.

Burrows admitted the crimes and two other offences of breaking and entering into the New Woody's Drive Inn Two at Boaz Island.

Burrows told Police he broke into Woody's on April 10 and stole five bottles of liquor and that earlier the night of his arrest he also broke into the bar and stole three bottles of beer.

But Burrow's lawyer Mr. Michael Scott asked Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis for a lenient sentence and stressed Burrows admitted he had been drinking when he was arrested last month.

"Mr. Burrows had been under pressure due to a break-up in his family and had of late been drinking heavily,'' Mr. Scott said.

However, Mr. Francis told Burrows: "Drunkenness is no excuse to commit a crime.'' Crimes against visitors were viewed "quite seriously'' by the court, he added before sending Burrows to prison.