Explanations given by a man who stole eight large breadfruits from a premises, amused the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The accused, Michael Small, pleaded guilty with explanation to praedial larceny, and asked the court for leniency.

Small was eventually sentenced to six months imprisonment at hard labour, suspended for two years.

The accused explained to the court that he stole the breadfruits to feed his children as he is a single parent and is facing financial difficulties.

mi a beg the court some leniency

"Sorry about this miss ... is because me have me children dem ... mi a beg the court some leniency," Small remarked to Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams.

However, the complainant told the court that the accused is a repeat offender who continues to steal her breadfruits from her tree.

She also explained to the court that the accused had no reason to steal the breadfruits because she had told him on previous occasions that if he wanted breadfruits, he should seek her permission and she would grant it.

The complainant also told the court that she was terrified as the accused was found inside her home about 7:30 p.m. on the night of the incident.

RM Shelly-Williams then asked Small why he kept on going to the complainant's premises to steal her breadfruits.

Small then paused briefly before he answered, "her breadfruit dem really nice miss", which amused the court. Small had also told the court, "me just hungry your honour", also causing laughter.

The court then ordered that Small compensate the complainant for her breadfruits, however, the complainant told the court that she did not need the compensation.

Small was then warned by RM Shelly-Williams to stay away from the complainant and her premises.