A man with a record of stealing appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday to face charges for emptying an office piggy bank of cash and breaking into two women's homes and stealing cash and valuables.

Charles Howard Eugene (Chucky) Ebbin, 46, of Friswells Hill, Pembroke pleaded guilty to all the charges.

Crown counsel Graveney Bannister told the court that Ebbin broke into the Capital G Bank office between September 19 and September 20 and took $75 out of a piggy bank located on the second floor of the building.

Ebbin also admitted breaking into the Pembroke residence of Debra Ball and stealing her imitation Gucci wallet containing $405 in cash.

Ebbin was also charged with breaking into the Pembroke home of Loretta Bean on October 13 and stealing $40 worth of her jewellery.

Mr. Bannister told the court that Ebbin has a record of stealing dating back to the 1970s.

Magistrate Edward King asked Ebbin to explain his bad habit.

"I'm having it hard, I was put out of the house, I'm not working, I've had it hard since I was young," said Ebbin.

Ebbin said he did not have a father figure in his life to support him and was struggling to make ends meet.

"I'm struggling to make money the best way I know how. I have a little bit of a record," he continued.

Mr. King sentenced Ebbin to 12 months in prison.

"Fellows like this need help," said Mr. King. "But it might be too late for you."