A drug abuser and thief was yesterday told his future was up to him after he was given a prison sentence in Supreme Court that could be cut short if he completes a drug rehabilitation programme.

Tracey Gladstone Caines, 26, of King Street, Pembroke, will serve ten months of a 24 month-sentence and have the remaining jail time suspended for 18 months if he attends a series of drug rehabilitation programmes.

He had pleaded guilty to stealing $19,000 worth of jewellry from a private collection while living at the Salvation Army's Harbour Light Rehabilitation Centre.

Caines' lawyer Elizabeth Christopher asked Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller to give her client another chance to rehabilitate himself at the facility.

Ms Christopher said: "One looks at his willingness to get involved in some sort of drug treatment as a motivating factor of Mr. Caines' trying too get his life back in order.

"This is the time the court should like to take a calculated risk.'' But prosecutor Juan Wolffe said Caines' previous history included violent behaviour -- even while incarcerated -- and argued: "This is not a person who has taken steps to improve his status. I don't think an outright probation would serve the needs of the community at this present time.'' In sentencing, Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller said: "We have to try with these young people.'' She added that she took into consideration Caines' guilty plea and his cooperation with Police in recovery of certain articles but society would not tolerate theft to support his drug habit.

Caines was ordered to serve ten months behind bars while undergoing an in-prison drug rehabilitation programme.

The remainder of his 24-month sentence would be suspended for 18 months if he attended and completed the drug rehabilitation programme at the Salvation Army Harbour Light facility, added Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller.

Before Caines left the courtroom, she told him: "Its up to you -- start something.''