Father of three Louis Michael Burcher will spend the next three years in prison for stealing $19 from a home in September.

"You put yourself in this position,'' Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons told Burcher as she sentenced him yesterday. "Yes, as you say it, it was a stupid mistake. And now you will go up to Westgate to be with more stupid people.'' "I can't just let you walk away for this,'' she said. "I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't impose a sentence of three years for breaking and entering with your record.'' Earlier, Ms Justice Simmons said: "The whole fabric of society is unravelling because of people like you that don't think. I sympathise with you that you lost your job.

"But what you are telling me is that you would rather steal and deprive your children of a father than let your wife make some money while you get on your feet.'' And after Burcher noted that a report of his case in The Royal Gazette would "make it harder'' for his family, the judge said: "This is an open court. I can't do anything about his (the reporter) being here. If he breaks the law, I can. But there is nothing I can do.'' Burcher, 38, was also jailed for one year for having housebreaking equipment -- a screwdriver -- when he was caught red handed by Police coming out of a Devonshire residence on September 24.

And Burcher -- who lived on a houseboat in Hamilton Harbour with his wife and three children -- must also serve a three month suspended prison sentence for breaking and entering in April last year.

Ms Justice Simmons ordered that the sentences be served consecutively to the most recent one.

She heard that Burcher was watched by a Cavendish Close resident as he entered Ian Shaw's apartment. Police were alerted.

As an officer was testing the front door, Burcher unlocked it and stepped out.

He told the Policeman he was the apartment's owner.

When the officer questioned Burcher about the thick latex gloves he was wearing, he said: "Okay, you got me.'' Burcher was questioned and admitted the offences the following day.

Yesterday, he told Ms Justice Simmons that since being released from prison in the early nineties he had been working, but found it difficult after his employer was fired.

He added: "Every time I went somewhere (for a job) they said there was a mark against me. It's like my past is following me. And now he (the reporter) is there writing everything down and putting my family in jeopardy.''