A prolific burglar was sentenced to six years imprisonment without suspension, for theft of jewellry worth $2,500 from a home at Ma'ufanga.

Stanley Fukofuka (42) residing at Kolofo'ou, who has 21 previous convictions for similar offences, was sentenced by Justice Robert Shuster on two counts of housebreaking and theft, when he appeared the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court February 10.

The court was told that the offender on September 25, 2010 at around midnight broke into Luseane Fatai's home at Ma'ufanga and stole jewelry worth $2,500.

He tried to escape but was, fortunately, caught by a witness and arrested by police.

Justice Shuster said that the six years imprisonment was deterrent sentence to stop housebreaking, which continues to rise in Tonga.

Justice Shuster had previously said in sentencing these crimes in court, that housebreaking and theft are horrific in Tonga.