received his final warning.

Jamel Hassell was told by Senior Magistrate Will Francis last week that he now had a prison sentence hanging over him, and would lose his liberty if he was in trouble again.

Hassell, 18, of Middle Terrace, Pembroke, had admitted stealing two cycles -- worth several thousand dollars -- in a short space of time and on two separate occasions.

He was fined $500 for each offence, and given a three month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

"Hopefully the threat of prison will get the message across, '' said Mr.

Francis. "You are right on the verge of a custodial sentence.

Hassell told him he was in the process of getting a job with his father.

"If you want a cycle, you are going to have to work for one,'' said the Magistrate.