A Mount Hill man this morning admitted stealing three jackets from a Hamilton store and selling them for cash.

Antoine Raynor, 47, pleaded guilty in Magistrates’ Court to stealing three Adidas tops from the Pro Shop on Reid Street.

Prosecutor Takiyah Burgess told the court that on September 29, staff at the store noticed Raynor enter wearing a camouflage jacket and look around at various items. After Raynor had left, an employee discovered a security tag, which had been attached to a jacket, on the ground.

Security camera footage from inside the store showed Raynor picking up three tops, removing the security tags and hiding the clothing in his jacket before leaving the store. In total, the stolen clothing was said to be worth $221.95.

Officers were able to identify Raynor from still images taken from the footage, and he was subsequently arrested on October 24 on St John’s Road.

Raynor reportedly denied the theft when first questioned, but later admitted taking the clothing items and selling them for between $50 and $100 in cash for his own personal use.

Appearing in court today Raynor acknowledged that he has been in trouble with the law before, but said he has been working to put his bad habits behind him and intends to repay the store’s owners.

“I had a relapse,” he said. “I admit it, but I am trying to get back on track. I will give back the money in three weeks time.”

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo ordered that a social inquiry report be carried out on Raynor and released him on $1,000 bail. Raynor is expected to return before the courts in December for sentencing.

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