A man who stole everything from shingles to tools from construction sites around the St. John's area was given a three-year prison sentence Monday, although he will soon be eligible for parole.

Robert Dyer, 40, pleaded guilty last week to a string of charges related to five break-and-enters at sites where new homes were being built on the northeast Avalon during the summer of 2011.

Robert Dyer, seen during a court appearance on Friday, said he turned his life around while he was an inmate. (CBC)

Court had been told that Dyer and another man stole numerous items, including doors, siding, hardwood and power tools. The stolen materials were sold for cash.

Dyer also pleaded guilty to stealing tools from a Rona hardware store.

Dyer has been in custody since his arrest last year, which means he is eligible for parole almost immediately.

Both the Crown and defence had told Judge Greg Brown that Dyer had changed dramatically in custody.

In addition to kicking drugs — including being able to stop taking methadone — Dyer took every program that he could, including employment skills, workplace hazard training and even a Red Cross CPR course.

When he was arrested. Dyer had a Grade 8 education. He now has Grade 11.

Dyer told the court last week that he is very sorry for what he did.