A self-confessed heroin addict admitted robbing two tourists outside a hotel in broad daylight to feed his addiction.

Michael Smith, a married father-of-two from Devonshire, targeted William Draddy and his wife at 3.30 p.m on Sunday, October 10. Prosecutor Tawana Tannock told Magistrates' Court the New York couple were staying at Tucker's Point Club.

They spent several hours that day touring the Island on a livery cycle, and stopped outside the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on Pitts Bay Road to check their map. "The defendant approached from the hotel parking lot, riding a scooter, and asked them if they required any assistance with their way," explained the prosecutor. "The complainant said they didn't and they continued to look at their map."

At that point, Smith reached into the basket of their cycle and grabbed a beach bag that was secured with a bungee cord. Mr. Draddy grabbed the cord in an effort to stop him, suffering a cut to his hand as Smith rode off with the bag.

A Police patrol car was passing by, and gave chase to Smith after Mr. Draddy alerted the officers to the theft. The Police chased Smith along Pitts Bay Road, Woodbourne Avenue, through the Esso City Tiger Mart gas station and along Par-la-Ville and Serpentine Roads.

According to Ms Tannock, officers lost sight of Smith at that point, but soon found him at a Pembroke address.

He told them: "This is the first time I have done something like this. Can you please take me to get some methadone? I'm a heroin addict."

Smith also led Police to the spot on Dunscombe Lane, Pembroke, where he'd dumped the beach bag. All the contents were still inside, including an iPod music player, BlackBerry cell phone, pants, trunks and a hat.

In a Police interview, the 52-year-old said he committed the crime in order to buy heroin because he had no money in the bank. The court heard he is a self-employed contractor who lives with his wife and two sons.

Smith pleaded guilty to robbery when he appeared at Magistrates' Court.

He told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner: "I regret doing it. I'm going through a divorce and have a heroin addition. I'm sorry to the people I did it to."

Telling the Magistrate he needed help, he added: "I apologise to you, Your Worship, for such a horrendous offence."

Mr. Warner responded: "This is a horrendous offence and a grave one."

He ordered pre-sentence reports and remanded Smith into custody until November 30 when he will be sentenced. Mr. Draddy and his wife arrived for their vacation on October 7, and left the Island the day after the robbery.