A prolific burglar with a serious drug problem was given a "last chance" by a Supreme Court judge yesterday who placed him on probation with strict conditions.

Winslow (Scaly) Williams appeared before Justice Archibald Warner for sentencing for five offences of breaking and entering and one attempted break-in in Pembroke and Devonshire between August 25 and 27 last year and of breaching a previous probation order.

Mr. Justice Warner said because of Williams' past criminal record - which dates back to 1983 - he did not appear to deserve a second chance, but on reflection he felt that he did.

He sentenced Williams, 34, of St. David's, to two years' probation with a curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and ordered him to undergo addiction treatment and random drug testing.

He also instructed Williams to get a job, to live in his mother's home, and not to go to places where drugs might be sold or to associate with drug users.

Mr. Justice Warner said: "Probation will give you one last chance. I will start off by saying that I don't want you to see this as in any way, shape, or form a threat.

"I want in terms of your understanding of where your life is going to know that this is, in fact, a last chance. You are entitled to a last chance, but this court is bending over backwards to help you based on your previous history and the number of chances you have had.

"You say you've got some serious drug problems. You say you have tried to help yourself, and I believe that, but I also recognise how difficult it is to be cured and as a result relapses often occur.

"Relapses can occur, but this court cannot continue to accept relapses as an excuse, however real they may be."

After spelling out all conditions he was imposing on Williams, Mr. Justice Warner said: "I want you to make it and to take advantage of this chance, but you are not going to play with the system."