A Hamilton beggar who has been convicted 30 times since 1979 missed getting more time in prison in Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Eugene (Jinx) McGowen Darrell, 47, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to begging on Reid Street on September 2, 2005, but was only sentenced to time already served in custody.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said Darrell was seen begging by Police outside the Washington Mall.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo said Darrell had "got people around here thinking you are a nuisance".

Darrell replied that he had been in Police custody since last Thursday and had only begged "for coffee".

"You can't go on like this you know," Mr. Tokunbo said. "I don't believe you are sorry. I believe you are trying to 'jinx' me."