A man who was ordered to leaving the country by Immigration Officials in June appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday for stealing a package of frozen chicken and then using it to defend himself when trying to escape from a Police officer.

Roosevelt Anthony Harris, 41, of Parsons Road, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to stealing the chicken worth $12.09 and said: "I was hungry."

For having an offensive weapon and assaulting the officer he said: "I would never lick an officer. I didn't know it was an officer."

For the charge of using his helmet as an offensive weapon he said: "I had the helmet with me, not guilty."

To the charge of not leaving the Country, Harris said: "I am guilty with an explanation."

Crown counsel Shakira Dill told the court that on Monday, September 9, a plain clothed Policeman was on duty in the Shopping Centre when he witnessed Harris pick up a package of frozen chicken.

He walked around and picked up other items and went to the till. He paid for the other items but did not pay for the chicken.

The officer noticed that he had something pushed down the back of his trousers and he identified himself to the Harris.

Harris hit his face with the helmet and then with the packet of chicken.

The court heard Bermuda Immigration set a deportation order for Harris on June 30, 2002.

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves asked if he had anything to say for himself. Harris said: "I was hungry. All I am asking for is a chance to go (leave the Island) on Saturday. Someone is buying me a ticket. I tried to go."

Mr. Greaves said: "He is just ready to go home."

Harris said: "When I came here to work, my boss had bought me a one way ticket."

"You cannot come to Bermuda on a one way ticket. In fact you cannot travel to any country other than your own on a one way ticket," said Mr. Greaves.

"What do you want me to do?" Mr. Greaves asked the Immigration Officer.

Mr. Greaves remanded him in custody until September 26 for deportation but if Harris is able to get a ticket sooner he would be able to leave before then.

"He wants to fly, he's a bird man," said Mr. Greaves.