A 30-year-old Hamilton man has been given a one-month prison sentence for stealing money from a member of staff at a primary school.

The court heard how Andre Castle entered the school on December 5 of last year, walked into an empty classroom and stole $232 from a purse that was left there.

When seen in the school by a member of staff, he said he was on the premises visiting his son.

When it was discovered that the money was missing from the purse, CCTV footage was monitored and Castle was identified as the man removing the money.

He was later arrested during which he told officers “this is bull****” and was remanded in custody.

Asked by Magistrate Judge Tokunbo Khamisi whether he had anything to say about his actions, Castle responded: “I apologise to the lady about it.”