and entering.

Walikram, 47, of Pembroke, admitted in Supreme Court on Friday to breaking into a Middle Road, Southampton residence on February 5 and stealing $5,695 worth of property.

One of the occupants returned home during the day and found Walikram wearing white socks on his hands and carrying a screwdriver.

Crown counsel Nita Grewal said there was a verbal confrontation and Walikram ran off.

Police, who had been notified, were travelling west on the railway trail in Southampton when they saw him coming in the opposite direction, Ms Grewal added.

A white T-shirt, a blue and white dish cloth and a pair of socks similar to the ones that were seen on Walikram's hands were later recovered in the area.

Jewellery totalling more than $5,000 was also missing.

Ms Grewal said Walikram told Police he had committed the offence after a morning of "heavy drinking''.

The court heard that the former mason, who earned $250 a week and had two daughters aged 21 and nine, was last released from prison in January, 1994 and had convictions dating back to 1966.

"He has a long record of like offences and has received probation three times,'' Ms Grewal noted. "Prior to that he had been receiving prison sentences.'' She also pointed out that Walikram had received counselling via Alcoholics Anonymous.

But lawyer Mark Pettingill, who noted his client's guilty plea, cooperation with Police, and the fact that all of the jewellery had been recovered, suggested Walikram was a "prime candidate'' for overseas treatment.

"He needs help, not incarceration,'' Mr. Pettingill told Chief Justice Austin Ward. "There's nothing going to be served by locking him away for years.'' Noting that Walikram had been in custody since March, Mr. Pettingill said Walikram's mother was trying to get him help.

When asked if he had anything to say, Walikram stated: "I'm so sorry. I've been doing good for the last couple of years. I would just like to apologise to the court. I would like a chance to straighten out my life. I've got to do it. I think it is about time. I'd like to do it for myself.'' Mr. Justice Ward noted that while Walikram had a "serious problem with alcohol abuse'', he was not a criminal.

"He's been on probation before. I cannot recommend that again,'' he said.

"But I will impose a lesser prison sentence.'' Mr. Justice Ward sentenced Walikram to two years in prison with the time spent in custody since March taken into consideration. He also recommended that Walikram receive the necessary treatment and counselling.