after stealing over $160,000 in jewellery and cash in late March.

The trio ultimately pleaded guilty to robbing seven homes in Southampton on March 23 but initially, two denied the charges.

Tafari Gary Mallory, 18, and Devon Peter Simons, 16, denied the charges although co-accused Jessie Yannis Mills, 17, pleaded guilty.

During the initial charge hearing, prosecution revealed Mills said he did not know what the other two were doing during the robbery because they were in different rooms, under Police interview.

At that hearing, Mallory and Simons, of Simmons Lane, sucked their teeth and rocked from side to side as they denied seven charges related to breaking and entering.

But in a bail hearing later that afternoon, Mallory, of Sound View Road, changed his plea to guilty. And Simons told Mr. King: "I'm not trying to upset you. If you got upset, that has nothing to do with me.'' The proceeding was broken up by frequent bouts between defence lawyer Larry Mussenden and acting Senior Magistrate Edward King.

Sentencing the trio, Mr. King said: "I have had the benefit of reading the summary of evidence, the social inquiry report and the extensive mitigation by Mr. Mussenden.

"The offences which the defendants pleaded guilty to are serious, despite their ages.

"They all knew that what they committed was wrong. The penalty must fit the crime.

"Mallory is an adult and he must be treated as such. The amount of goods taken amounts to approximately $167,000 of jewellery.

"About $6,000 worth has been recovered. Mallory, I impose nine months on each count, to run concurrent.

"Mills and Simons, I order you to undergo corrective training, the duration rests with the Minister,'' he added.

Mr. King refused to take Mallory's time in custody into consideration.