Police on patrol caught a thief who had carried out a smash and grab raid on a Hamilton store.

Officers stopped Shannon Mello, who was running up Parliament Street with a boom box in his hands.

Mello, 32, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to smashing in the Music Box store front window, on Reid Street, on September 20 and stealing two boom boxes.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said Mello avoided trial thus far by not showing up for court dates.

Crown Counsel Wayne Caines said Police spotted Mello sprinting along Parliament Street, toward the back of town. They stopped him but he had discarded the merchandise.

A subsequent search of the House of Assembly grounds revealed the $245 CD player boom box with a white price tag still attached.

Mello, of Great Bay, St. George's, was arrested on suspicion of theft and taken to Hamilton Police station.

During an interview, Mello revealed the location of a second boom box in the Parliament grounds.

Mello admitted to smashing the window at Music Box, causing $1,180 of damage, and stealing the goods during that interview.

He failed to answer to Police bail and evaded court dates.

Previous offences include breaking and entering three other businesses dating back to 1997.

Mello was given suspended sentences for two offences and 12 months in prison for the first offence.

Mr. Warner asked Mello: "Where have you been all this time? We have been looking for you ever since December 1999.'' Papers indicated Mello missed court in December 1999, January and May 2000.

Mello maintained his not guilty plea and said: "I called you. I don't remember one of those dates.'' Mr. Warner fired back: "You think it's about calling in. What do you think this is -- school?'' Mello told the court that an arrangement had been made where a deduction was made from his paycheque and paid to the store each week.

Mello was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for stealing two CD boom boxes from Music Box. And he was fined $200 for driving without a driver's licence on October 22.

In addition, Mello faced a trial in February 2001 for breaking and entering a liquor store.