Fort Franklin (Aug 11/03) - A Deline man who broke into community buildings was sentenced to 18 months in jail and ordered to pay $1,907 in restitution in Yellowknife territorial court last week.

Anthony Betsidea pleaded guilty to three break and enters and one count of mischief.

On Sept. 29, the 27-year-old man used a hammer to break the front window of the Department of Renewable Resources and Economic Development office, said Crown prosecutor Caroline Carrasco. He stole $100 in cash. The damaged window cost $214 to repair.

The same day, Betsidea also broke the window to the community's housing office, but didn't take anything.

Then on Oct. 11, he used a hammer to break the door window of the local school. When he reached inside to open the door, he cut his hand. He took $387, which was in the principal's cash box.

He returned to the school on Aug. 19, broke the door window again and cut his hand a second time. The total damage to the school was $1,042.

Police collected blood samples from the scene, and Betsidea's blood was discovered to be a match.

On April 10, while in custody, Betsidea admitted he committed the crimes.

The man has a lengthy criminal record with many property offences.

His lawyer, Margot Engley, said the man entered an early guilty plea.

But Judge Michel Bourassa said the incriminating DNA evidence left him little choice.

"His hand was caught in the cookie jar."