A Sandys man found with a stolen bike and a machete received a reduced prison sentence because of his co-operation with the courts.

Jevon Daniels, of Broome Street, pleaded guilty to stealing the bike and being in possession of a bladed article with a 12-inch blade.

The latter charge carries a mandatory sentence of three years, however Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner only sentenced the 27-year-old to a year in jail.

Crown Counsel Nicole Smith told Magistrates' Court yesterday that at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, officers were conducting laser checks on Middle Road in Warwick outside of the TN Tatem Middle School.

They saw a red bike ride pastthat was in poor condition and decided to follow it. When the officers got closer, they noticed there were no keys in the ignition and turned on the sirens to stop the rider.

The defendant did not stop immediately, but when he did officers said he was very fidgety and appeared nervous.

Asked if he had anything illegal on him, Daniels said: 'That's three years man."

A search found the machete in his pants waistband. Daniels said he had it because "guys were threatening to kill me".

Yesterday he told Mr. Warner: "I just want to say some of the things are true. I have had a troubled life. I'm no angel.

"I can admit this was very immature and childish of me to carry this bladed article since I know what it can do to me. I want to change but it's hard for me out there."

Daniels has previous convictions and has been out of jail for two years. He explained that despite his guilty plea, he didn't steal the bike, he borrowed it not knowing it was stolen.

"I just wasn't thinking straight and I let stupidity go over common sense," he added.

Daniels said he didn't want to go to jail, but wanted to move forward in his life.

Mr. Warner told Daniels he was entitled to a discount for his co-operation and guilty plea and sentenced him to 12 months' imprisonment for the machete and 30 days for stealing the bike. The sentences are to run concurrent.