offences this week had his sentence reduced by the Court of Appeal.

Frederick Gary Spence, had been sentenced by former Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood to seven years each on three breaking and entering charges in 1992. The sentences were to run concurrently.

Ms Victoria Pearman, representing Spence, told the court her client had pleaded guilty to the three offences, which had occurred on October 17, 1992, all before 10.30 p.m.

Spence had taken items which were worth $415.

Ms Pearman said $210.75 of that value had been recovered and Spence had shown remorse and a willingness to cooperate with Police from the beginning.

The matter had been referred to the Supreme Court for sentencing by Senior Magistrate, the Wor. Will Francis, after he noted Spence had 34 convictions for breaking and entering, with 23 other matters taken into account.

Ms Pearman told the court her client had been sentenced because of his record and not for the crimes he had admitted. She felt a sentence of four years on each count was more appropriate.

Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade told the court Spence was a "professional burglar'' and invasion of a private home was the greatest threat to a civilised society. He objected to the sentence being called excessive.

The court quashed Spence's seven-year sentence and reduced his time to five years. The court said it would give its reasons in due course.