for 26 years, Magistrates' Court heard this week.

John Piques, 64, was spotted taking coffee, coffee rolls, sugar, roast meat and potatoes from the Paraquet restaurant in Paget.

Prosecutor Sgt. Ken James said restaurant owner Alan Correia became concerned about goods going missing, and hired a security firm.

Just after 6 p.m. on November 10, a security guard saw Piques leaving with a large bag of items. More food was found in his car.

Piques of Stovell Bay Road, Spanish Point, admitted stealing $72.65 worth of food. He had no previous convictions.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said: "It's a terrible way to end 26 years of employment, isn't it?'' Piques said: "This could have been done in different circumstances. Mr.

Correia could have charged me for the stuff instead.'' But Mr. Francis told him: "I think he has to send a message to all his employees. This is the best way to deal with it. You may think he is making a whole lot of money and he can afford to have everybody carting off things in bags.

"But one of the quickest ways for a business to go down the hole is for the staff to be ripping it off.'' He fined Piques $200.