from Trimingham Brothers walked free from Magistrates' Court last week without punishment.

Magistrate Archie Warner decided to conditionally discharge 51-year-old Robert Hewey, a resident at the Salvation Army Emergency Housing Complex, after it was revealed that the man was taking medication for mental illness and could not remember if he had committed the offences or not.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke described how Hewey led Trimingham Brothers security personnel on running chases around the streets of Hamilton after they discovered he stole two pairs of sunglasses, valued at $76, on January 19 and a box of Chanel perfume, valued at $44, on February 2.

Hewey escaped from his pursuers on both occasions but was identified on Queen Street by one of the men at a later date and arrested by Police.

After deliberation, Mr. Warner released Hewey on the conditions that he continue taking his medication and that he make regular visits to St.

Brendan's Hospital.