A repeat thief whose apology to Magistrates’ Court rang “hollow” has been jailed for 30 days for stealing less than ten dollars’ worth of food.

Dimetri Robinson, 36, was back in the dock less than a month after being sentenced to ten days’ imprisonment for stealing wine on October 30.

Robinson, from Spring Hill, Warwick, was caught on Wednesday at the Shopping Centre on Victoria Street after arousing the suspicions of security.

A jar of olives and a packet of bacon, to the value of $8.18, were hidden in his pockets, according to Cindy Clarke, the Deputy Director of Prosecutions.

Robinson asked security to give him a break, but was arrested. Ms Clarke told Senior Magistrate Juan Wolffe that Robinson had been known to the courts since 1992.

“I’m sorry, very sorry — the olives and bacon were supposed to go in a salad I was making for my wife,” Robinson said. “It was stupid and I apologise to the court.”

Mr Wolffe replied that he found it sad that “you’ve come to court for so many offences that all your lyrics are ready”, adding: “What you’re saying does not mean anything to me. This is madness.”

Robinson was on probation for the earlier theft, he noted, as well as for a March 11 bladed article charge. Robinson told him that in that case he had stabbed his landlord for breaking a chair.

Mr Wolffe sentenced him to 30 days’ imprisonment, with time in custody taken into account.