repeat offender in Supreme Court yesterday.

Mervyn Wilbur Smith, of Sandys, was given a three-year sentence for breaking and entering and a year's imprisonment for possession of an instrument used for housebreaking by Puisne Judge, the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward.

But Smith, 37, told the court that only a good rehabilitation programme could help him again become a productive member of society.

"You can look at my record,'' he said. "It's pretty extensive, going back to 1971 for possession of cannabis. From that particular time, I really don't think I've been through the rehabilitation process.

"I've been incarcerated on a number of occasions and received no assistance necessary for re-entry into society. I've never been given assistance where I can go to a programme that's set up and become a productive member of society.'' Smith, who was unrepresented, was sent to Supreme Court for sentencing after a magistrate convicted him of the two charges.

Crown counsel Mr. Stephen Harrison said Police officers received a report that someone had broken into Sandys Boat Club on February 24.

He said a number of units surrounded the building and an officer, peering through the sliding glass, spotted Smith in the bar area, drinking from a cup.

Smith saw the officer and attempted to escape through a sliding glass door but was confronted outside. He escaped and ran toward East Shore Road but was eventually caught by the officer.

A search of Smith produced a knife with a broken handle, a torch and five books of matches.

Officers found two bottles of whisky and two bottles of vodka on the floor of the store room.

Under examination, Smith admitted drinking some tonic water but refused to answer any other questions.

Mr. Harrison said Smith had received seven convictions for breaking and entering over the past 10 years.

Smith said he first began using marijuana at the age of 11 and rapidly progressed to harder drugs and alcohol.

"For the last seven years or so I've found myself addicted to cocaine,'' he said. "It's a prevalent problem in our society today. I'm a sick man. I just need a different environment to help me assess the problems I'm confronted with.'' Smith suggested that rather than a prison sentence, he be given an order that he work with children telling them of the danger of drug use.

Mr. Ward said he did not have the powers to order Smith to perform a particular community service. He allowed his sentences to run concurrently.