An untidy thief was sent home by a Magistrate yesterday and told to change his clothes.

“Have some respect for your own institutions,'' Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves told Jodi Mello, 40, who appeared in court wearing cut-off shorts and a paint-splattered shirt.

“This court doesn't belong to me, it belongs to you. Go get some clothes right now,” Mr Greaves said.

Wearing new clothes, Mello returned and pleaded guilty to charges of stealing.He had tried to walk out of a Hamilton supermarket on June 17 with $13 worth of food hidden under his jacket.

When Mello was caught talking to defence counsel Leo Mills, he was further reprimanded by Mr. Greaves.

“Don't talk, idiot!” Mr.Greaves shouted, before handing Mello a $250 fine.