A repeat offender appeared in Supreme Court was sentenced to a year in prison on Friday for stealing a cycle and receiving another stolen cycle in September, 2004.

Troy O?Neil Robinson, 37, of Anchorage Lane has been in and out of Bermuda?s courts and prison sine 1982. Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons said it appeared Robinson had a predilection for stealing motor vehicles.

His lawyer, Charles Richardson, agreed his client had a ?very long criminal record and in the UK he would fit the description of a persistent offender?. Mr. Richardson told the court that his client also had a long history of drug abuse.

The judge was also informed that Robinson had breached a February, 2005 probation order. He failed to meet with his supervisor during the latter part of his probation.

His supervisor told the court that Robinson had complied with the order until he was held on remand for an offence that he was later acquitted of.

Mr. Richardson told the court that it appeared his client held resentment towards the courts after being locked up for a period of time for something he had not done. While he said that did not excuse his client?s behaviour, it did shed light on the reason he stopped attending.

Mrs. Justice Simmons said the problem with Robinson was that he has been given sufficient leniency before but has failed to mend his ways.

Robinson apologised for his actions:?I have two children who are 11 and ten now they have said some things that cut really deep. I have been trying really hard. I want to be part of a drug programme at Westgate.?

Robinson also told Mrs. Justice Simmons that he was driven by his addiction when he committed the offences.

?Efforts that have been made to help you with your addiction are frustrated by your relapses at any excuse,? she said. ?You must face your responsibilities.?

She sentenced him to 12 months for stealing a cycle and 12 months for receiving a stolen cycle. The sentences are to run concurrently. She also ordered that he spend 18 months on probation upon his release.