A shoplifter who stole a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey from a supermarket told Magistrates' Court he hopes to find work as a supermarket shelf stacker.

Lamel Steede took the $31 item from MarketPlace, Hamilton, on November 27.

Crown counsel Larissa Burgess said the assistant manager of the store watched as Steede stuck the bottle in the waist of his pants, then went to take another. He was detained before he managed to do so, and subsequently arrested by the Police.

Steede, 34, of Swansville Road, Pembroke, apologised to Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo yesterday morning, saying: "No one's perfect."

He explained he had a job interview with a supermarket later that day, and hoped to start work as a shelf packer.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo queried: "Where are you going to pack the stuff?"

Steede replied: "On the shelves."

Mr. Tokunbo handed him a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning he will not face further punishment unless he commits another crime.