A 49-year-old told Magistrates' Court he stole a safe from a church to fuel his drug addiction and begged for assistance in finding treatment.

Brian Carlton Rogers pleaded guilty to trespassing and stealing a safe containing papers valued at $250 from the West Pembroke Pentecostal Church.

The North Terrace, Pembroke resident admitted he had latex gloves and a multi-tool knife in his home to use in a burglary. He also admitted obstructing a Police officer in the course of duty.

All the offences were committed on Monday.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said the church's pastor secured the premises before leaving at 8.30 p.m. on October 10.

Around 3.30 the next morning, a church member who lives next to the church was awakened by a loud banging noise coming from the building.

The neighbour saw a light on inside the church. Moments later she saw a black male dressed in black with a black baseball cap walk away from the church and past her house.

A few minutes later the woman heard banging again and called the Police.

The defendant was seen by Police officers walking with a grey box and black rucksack along St. John's Road.

Ms Clarke said: "The defendant ran across the playing field of Western Stars and was chased by Police. He told Police 'I'm going to do you in' and reached into his pocket where he had the knife."

She told the court officers went to Rogers' home and found the latex gloves, a padlock and other items.

Rogers told officers the rucksack wasn't his but later confessed to the burglary at the Hamilton Police Station.

He told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner yesterday: "I would like to say you have seen me before the courts for the past 27 years. Westgate has drug education but not drug treatment. I have a drug problem.

"I am begging this court for some assistance in getting some treatment. I am here year after year, sentence after sentence. It's got to stop somewhere."

Mr. Warner said: "All other drug treatment programmes would have to be unsupervised and the offences you have been committing over the years don't call for unsupervised drug treatment programmes.

"When you come out, there's no coercion for you to follow through with these programmes that you're put on. It's unfortunate but it's to get you the most of what they have got."

He continued: "For instance, I am not prejudging this matter. I haven't heard all the facts. This is the type of offence that will likely carry an immediate custodial sentence."

Mr. Warner ordered a Social Inquiry Report and a BARC report.

Rogers was remanded into custody until his December sentencing.