charges of breaking and entering and one charge of theft.

Craig Wilhelm Stapff was sent to Supreme Court for sentencing by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner, who explained he lacked sufficient sentencing power.

Stapff, 37, pleaded guilty to the charges in Magistrates' Court back in April and was also sentenced to one year in jail for stealing a car.

He admitted to breaking into the Pie Factory and Grill in Pembroke, where he stole chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, meat, chocolate, chips and soda worth $500 on February 20.

Stapff also admitted breaking into P.J.'s Warehouse twice between February 29 and March 9.

He entered the premises by cutting a hole in a metal barrier and stole $185 in cash and two DVD players valued at $410 each and a VCR valued at $235.

All the items stolen were sold to unknown persons and Stapff used the proceeds to purchase drugs to support his 20 year addiction to drugs.

He was taken into custody after being caught with a pair of stolen Masters mechanic utility snips from Gorham's Limited on April 10, which he said were to be used for a scheduled plumbing job.

During Police questioning, Stapff said: "I'm very sorry. I feel shame and remorseful.

"I know I let down my family and the community at large.'' Investigating officer P.c. Cheryl Watts told the court that Stapff was very helpful during their investigation and continually expressed his on going problem with drugs.

Defence lawyer Mark Pettingill told the court that he had known his client from childhood and that they had gone though the Boys Brigade together.

He described Stapff as an articulate, respectful person and that he still remembered him as the boy he had grown up with.

Mr. Pettingill added that Stapff's long history of breaking and entering, dating back to 1982, was mostly to feed his drug addiction.

"I am convinced that Mr. Stapff doesn't want to lead this life,'' Mr.

Pettingill said.

"He wants to break the grip of the devil.'' Mr. Pettingill asked that Stapff be given probation and be sent to a drug rehabilitation programme, such as the Harbour Lights programme run by the Salvation Army.

He explained that the programme offered counselling and daily help to deal with drug addictions, which Stapff needed.

Before sentencing, Stapff said he was sorry for what he did.

Chief Justice Austin Ward sentenced Stapff to three and a half years for the three counts of breaking and entering and one year for the charge of theft.

The sentences are to run concurrent and begin July 14, which is when Stapff's year in jail for the theft of the car will be over. He also ordered that Stapff be given any psychological and psychiatric treatment needed to help him deal with his drug addiction.