A petty thief was jailed for six months in Magistrates? Court yesterday for stealing a purse out of a car. Sinclair Fox, 57, of the Salvation Army Shelter, pleaded guilty of stealing a wallet, valued at $90, in Pembroke on February 19.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines said Fox?s victim parked her car at the City Hall car park and left her handbag inside.

However, when she got back the hand bag was on the floor and her purse was missing, Mr. Caines said.

Mr. Caines said Fox was on bail for a similar offence when he stole the purse.

?He?s 57 with the record of petty theft all the time,? Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said. ?He seems to be a vagrant with nowhere to live.?

Mr. Warner said the only way to deter Fox and other petty criminals was with a period of imprisonment.

Fox will reappear in court today for mention after he pleaded not guilty of breaking into a Pembroke shop and stealing $350 cash between January 24 and January 25.