A homeless man is free today after spending nearly a year behind bars awaiting a verdict ? on a charge of stealing $15.

Michael Eugene Douglas, 25, originally denied stealing cash from a house in St. George?s after being invited into the premises by the occupant.

He was granted bail but failed to meet it, so was held in remand to await trial.

Last month, however, he admitted entering the house on December 14, 2004, with the intent to commit a crime.

And Douglas was released yesterday after Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons sentenced him to the time he had already spent in jail. She also handed him a one-year probation order, which was recommended in a probation report.

Last month?s hearing was told Douglas had been in and out of court many times since he was 17 for numerous theft-related offences.

Justice Simmons told Douglas: ?I do not expect to see you before the court again.?