A man who stole two bottles of Bacardi Gold Rum was sentenced to 60 days in prison, yesterday.

Christopher Chasty, 43, who lives at the Salvation Army's Harbour Light rehabilitation facility, initially denied the charge and claimed he had been off the Island on January 31, when the offence took place.

But when Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves told him that if he pleaded not guilty to the charge, he would be held on remand until his trial date, the defendant changed his mind.

Chasty, who has another like offence for stealing liquor, said: "You (Mr. Greaves) are going to lock me up anyway, so I might as well plead guilty and do the time."

Crown counsel Shade Subair told the court that at 4.20 p.m., staff at the Shopping Centre store on Victoria Street, Hamilton, informed their manager that Chasty had just stolen the liquor.

The manager went outside the shop, caught Chasty and called the Police.

Mr. Greaves fined him $500 for stealing the liquor to be paid forthwith or 60 days in prison.

Chasty also appeared for outstanding fines to the value of $1,250 and he was told to pay immediately or go to jail now.