Magistrate Fazil Azeez sentenced a repeat offender to prison, after he admitted to breaking and entering and larceny of his sisters’ home, when he yesterday appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Hydar Ali, 22, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, admitted to the two break and enter and larceny charges and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on each count.

According to the facts on the case, Ali between January 23 and 24, at the said location, stole one sweater valued at $3000, three pairs of boots valued at $16 000, a pair of black shoes valued at $5000 and one Discman valued at $7500 all to a total value of $31,500 from his sister Naymoon Ali’s home. Naymoon was not at home at the time of the theft but on her return found four panes of her louvre window missing and her home ransacked.

Also, between January 24 and 25, at Tuschen, Ali admitted to stealing a chain valued at $500, a pair of pants and a shirt together valued at $2500 all to a total value of $3000 from his sister Zaimoon Ali. She, too, was not at home at the time of the burglary but noticed a window open on her return and discovered the items missing. The matter was reported and the police, acting on information received, arrested Ali who admitted to committing the offences.

In his submission Police Prosecutor, Ramsahoye Rambajue, told the court that Ali was a repeat offender, an alcoholic and drug addict and he had served sentences for similar offences.

He reminded the magistrate that the man had appeared before him just two weeks before.

Ali’s sisters told the court that none of the items had been recovered and questioned why the men to whom the items were reportedly sold were not arrested. In response Police Prosecutor Robert Tyndall said one man was arrested but he denied the allegation. Also, his home was searched and nothing was found.

Ali, in response to a question posed by the magistrate, told the court that he last served a nine-month sentence. In his defence he said, “Sorry fo do that, sir”. The sentences will run concurrently.