A social inquiry report was ordered this week for a Somerset man who pleaded guilty to stealing money and property from two visitors, stealing a motorcycle and assaulting a local man with intent to rob him.

The offences occurred in October last year.

Roger Eugene Lightbourne, 27, of Sound View Road, represented by lawyer, Mr.

Archie Warner appeared before Puisne Judge, Mr. Justice Meerabux.

Crown Counsel Mr. Barry Meade told the court that at midnight on October 29 last year, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Chisholm, of Nova Scotia, Canada were riding their rented cycles west along East Dale Lane, opposite the Southampton Rangers Club, when two men on a motorcycle forced them off the road and demanded their wallets.

The pair stole a wallet belonging to Mr. Chisholm containing $165 in cash, and a handbag from Mrs. Chisholm containing $200 in cash plus credit cards and travellers cheques. The two men rode off on a red Yamaha motorcycle in the direction of Horseshoe Road.

Mr. Meade told the court that Mr. Chisholm was able to note the licence plate of the motorcycle, and Police recovered a red Yamaha motorcycle outside of Lightbourne's residence with the licence plate that Mr. Chisholm had described.

Later inquiries revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen by Dennis Maynard, of Devon Springs Lane, Devonshire, and the licence plate on it was false.

The court also heard that on November 6 last year, Lightbourne confided to Inspector Adams at Hamilton Police Station about the location of the Chisholms' stolen property.

"He requested to speak to Inspector Adams, and then told him that the bags could be found at Smith's Avenue in Warwick,'' Mr. Meade said.

The bag and wallet were found in that location in a plastic bag, minus the cash.'' Mr. Meade also told the court that on Tuesday, October 26 last year, Lightbourne allegedly assaulted Dale Whitfield, attempting to rob him.

The court hear that at 4 that morning, Lightbourne and another person drove up to the Swinging Doors nightclub, where Whitfield was standing on the curb. The driver called him over to borrow $10 for gas. Twenty minutes later, Lightbourne returned to Swinging Doors, called Whitfield over and told him that the car driver was waiting for Whitfield on Union Street, and wanted to talk to him.

When Whitfield left with Lightbourne, Lightbourne grabbed him in a choke hold and demanded Whitfield's money. Whitfield began to scream struggle. A crowd began to form, and Lightbourne drew a 12-inch kitchen knife, holding it against Whitfield's chest.

Lightbourne threatened to kill Whitfield, and began to slash at his hands.

"The crowd pleaded with Lightbourne to let Whitfield go, but he only did so when he heard Police sirens. He stole a wallet containing $400 in cash,'' Mr.

Meade said.

Lightbourne choked Whitfield so hard that he began to drift in and out of consciousness, Mr. Meade said.

Mr. Meerabux ordered a social inquiry report, and set the matter for mention in four weeks.