A Sandys man who stole a bottle of rum from Market Place narrowly escaped jail after his probation officer told a court he had been cooperating with her.

Richard Michael Shaun Dill, 39, of Long Bay Lane, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Bacardi Gold Rum from Hamilton Market Place when he appeared in Magistrates' Court.

The court heard from Crown Counsel Cindy Clarke that on Thursday, May 22, at 9.45 a.m., Dill was seen walking into the grocery store on security cameras by the manager.

He picked up the bottle of rum, walked into the restroom and then left the store. He returned moments later and went upstairs to the corporate offices.

The managers looked over the security camera footage and went upstairs where they found Dill. He admitted to hiding the liquor bottle outside the building under a helmet.

Dill was arrested and taken to the Hamilton Police Station where he admitted the offence and was charged.

Asked if he had anything to say in court, Dill said: "There's nothing I can say that will make a difference. Something must be wrong with my f*****g head. I apologise."

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo, angry at Dill's language said: "I don't appreciate or commend your response by using foul language. What's up with that?"

The 39-year old replied: "I'm under a lot of pressure. I have nowhere to stay. I'm homeless."

Mr. Tokunbo, still upset retorted: "So you go and steal a bottle of rum? Not food, not clothing, rum? So what do we do with you?"

Dill's probation officer, Gina Spincinelli, explained he is currently on three separate three-year probation orders.

She added he had been regularly coming to her and was very cooperative.

Mr. Tokunbo continued the probation orders and sentenced Dill to 30 days imprisonment suspended for six months and said: "If no one else can help you, you really need to try and help yourself."