A self-confessed alcoholic had his sentencing for breaking and entering adjourned yesterday in a bid to get him confirmed into a residential drying-out programme.

Tariq Walikram, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking with intent to steal, and one of possessing housebreaking equipment, that of a shovel, when he appeared before Supreme Court.

Defence lawyer Mark Pettingill said Walikram had had a drinking problem for many years, but had never received sufficient assistance.

But he said he had been accepted into Camp Spirit run by the Focus group for his addiction, and asked the court to take that into account when sentencing him.

However, Assistant Justice Charles-Etta Simmons said she would not take anything into account unless she was properly informed by the Referral Assessment Centre.

She remanded Walikram, of no fixed abode, until the next arraignment session, in the hope that some confirmation of a place can be provided to the court. The case is likely to be mentioned again in court on January 2.

Prosecutor Oonagh Vaucrosson said Walikram was accused of breaking into two separate apartments in the Seon Drive area of Shelly Bay, Hamilton Parish in the afternoon of July 19 this year.

The Police were called and Walikram was caught on one of the properties, holding an almost empty bottle of vodka.

He immediately admitted committing the break-ins. Mrs. Vaucrosson said Walikram had a long history of domestic burglary offences and had received a number of chances.

She said this time he should be given a custodial sentence of between two and four years for the first two break-in counts, and between one and two years for the charge of going equipped.

Mr. Pettingill said of Walikram: "He's 51-years-old. The time has come. He has had a very serious drinking problem and that has been the crux."