A Pembroke man is starting a six-month jail term after he stole money from a car.

Antoine Eric Raynor, 37, swiped $15 in coins from a vehicle parked near the Robin Hood pub, Hamilton, a court heard. Police attended at 11 p.m. on March 23 after the theft was reported and saw the defendant outside the back of the venue on a pedal bike.

When asked why he was on the premises, Raynor claimed he worked there and gave officers a false name. He was searched at the scene but no cash was found.

In a later interview, the court heard, the defendant told Police he entered the car, which had defective locks, but didn?t take anything.

Raynor, of Mount Hill, Pembroke, appeared in Magistrates? Court on Thursday and admitted theft and giving a false name to Police. He said he was seeking help for his heroin problem and had just started a job. ?I?m asking for a chance,? he told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner.

?You have had several chances,? replied Mr. Warner, who imposed a six-month jail term after noting the defendant?s theft record.

Thursday?s sentence included two-year probation with a drug treatment element.