Ricardo Leroy Dowling, 30, of Rocky Lane, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to breaking, entering, and theft.

Prosecutor Sgt. Peter Giles said Dowling broke into the Rocky Lane home of Conrad Albuoy on December 6, 1997 between 7.45 and 10 a.m.

Mr. Albuoy, who was asleep at the time of the break-in, did not notice a removed shutter and torn screen until later that morning.

According to Sgt. Giles, Mr. Albuoy discovered that his $20 billfold containing $220 in cash had been stolen and Police were called to the scene.

Police recovered Dowling's fingerprints from the break-in point, and Dowling was later arrested in connection with the incident.

Sgt. Giles said Dowling admitted that he had been at Mr. Albuoy's residence.

Dowling told Police he wanted to find out if he could cut the grass or paint the roof at Mr. Dowling's residence, but denied entering the house.

When Police told Dowling his fingerprints were found inside the home, he responded: "I am stunned.'' Yesterday, Dowling told Senior Magistrate Will Francis that he committed the crime because he was unemployed.

Mr. Francis replied: "Breaking and entering is a serious offence. It's very traumatic for someone, especially if they're in their house at the time.'' Dowling, who had a record of similar convictions dating back to 1982 and as recently as July, 1996, said he later apologised to Mr. Albuoy.

But Mr. Francis sentenced Dowling to four months imprisonment, adding: "I could've given you a lot more''.