in May cost a Pembroke man $300.

Gary Wayne Wellman, 47, of Parson's Road, Pembroke pleaded guilty on Friday before Senior Magistrate Will Francis to stealing the van on May 4.

Prosecutor Insp. Peter Giles said cameraman Ian Rawlins left the keys for the van in the ignition at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's hospice in Paget while on assignment at 2.15 p.m. that day.

Mr. Rawlins reported the theft and Police found the van at 4.45 p.m. that afternoon on Curving Avenue, Pembroke.

After further inquiries were made, Wellman was arrested and later admitted he took the van and drove it to the area.

Wellman told Mr. Francis he had been drinking alcohol the night before and he did not remember the incident.

Mr. Francis fined Wellman $300 and ordered him to pay the fine by June 25 or face a prison sentence of 30 days.

Mr. Francis added: "It's good that it was recovered intact.''