If the shoe fits ... don't seek another pair.

It's a lesson a sneak shoe thief might take to heart after pushing his luck too far ? and getting caught. Shannon Dwayne Smith stole a pair of Nike Air sneakers from The Sports Source on February 21 and then returned to get his original pair back, Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

This time he was spotted. Although he escaped by smashing the glass door, leaving behind $680 damage, his freedom was short-lived.

Smith, 24, of Spice Hill Road, Warwick, was fined $500 yesterday after admitting theft. The court heard the sneakers were valued at $119.44.

Senior Magistrate Archie Warner also ordered Smith to pay $680 in compensation or spend three months in jail.