at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Magistrate Will Francis heard how David O'Brien, 33, an unemployed fisherman from Controversy Lane, Hamilton, called at his parents home on Flat Rock Close, Hamilton on the evening of November 13.

When nobody answered the door, O'Brien entered the house and helped himself to the soup, some frozen chicken pieces and pizzas worth a total of $20.

O'Brien was later questioned by Police and admitted the theft. Defence lawyer Kim Wilson said: "Up until recently Mr. O'Brien was employed by a friend as a fisherman but, due to the recent weather, he has been unable to work.

"On this particular night he was hungry and went to his parent's house out of necessity,'' he said.

"He was consumed with hunger and his only intention was to receive food. He did knock on the door but there was nobody in so his only option was to enter.

"He has since spoken to his mother and apologised and she has accepted it.'' Ordering O'Brien to pay $180 and $20 compensation Mr. Francis said: "Whatever the relationship between you and your parents I don't think this is the way to go about improving or fostering a good relationship.''