Sinclair Simmons talked to a salesman at Wheels Ltd. about a bicycle -- and then jumped on it and pedalled away without paying for it, a court heard last week.

Simmons, 44, of Union Street said that he stole the bike -- and committed six other thefts at Hamilton stores -- to support his drug habit.

Prosecutor Sgt. John Dale said Simmons' string of thefts began on April 27, this year.

Simmons was seen in the back of a Bananas store on Front Street and later that day the manager noticed that a cash box containing $107.80 had been removed from the safe in the back room.

Police were notified, and Simmons was later arrested and admitted to removing the cash box and using the money inside it to buy drugs.

Simmons also admitted stealing knives and a pair of denim shorts from H.A.&E.

Smiths on June 16.

Less than a week later, Simmons entered Wheels on Dundonald Street and talked with the salesperson before jumping on a bike and pedalling down the road, Sgt. Dale said.

Later that day, Simmons was seen in the Sportseller carrying a bag that he used to conceal items including a wallet, handbag, rain jacket, backpack and $65 in cash which he took from the back room.

Simmons was stopped at the door, and the stolen articles were retrieved before Police arrested him, said Sgt. Dale added.

Simmons visited a friend that worked at Defontes TV Centre on June 27.

After speaking to his friend, the court heard that Simmons removed a RCA radio from a display case. He was later arrested and also admitted that crime.

Sgt. Dale said Simmons latest offence occurred on July 11.

A Police officer saw him leaving Price Busters with a paper bag.

The officer asked to see what was in the bag, Sgt. Dale said, and Simmons showed him a black and white television set.

"I'll go back and pay for it,'' he told the officer before he was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station.

Sgt. Dale told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis that Simmons had an extensive criminal record and had served time in prison for theft.

Mr. Francis remanded Simmons in custody until August 25 and ordered a social inquiry report.