A 62-year-old man this morning admitted repeatedly breaking into the same home to steal food.

Winton Edwards pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing food items from a St Paul’s Lane home, and a third count of prowling about the same home.

The court heard that the resident of the home returned home on September 10 to discover that nine tins of Vienna sausages, a six-pack of beer, two bags of bread, peanut butter and a carton of eggs had been taken. A search of his home revealed that a part of a window had been smashed to gain access to the property.

Days later, on September 14, he again discovered that beer, sausages and peanut butter had been taken from his home and called the police. In total, the stolen food products were said to be worth $59.90.

At around 1.15pm on Wednesday, the resident was at home on his couch when he heard someone fiddling with a door. When he looked outside, he saw Edwards, who had removed a screen and was attempting to move a glass pane.

Edwards fled the area, but was subsequently caught and arrested.

The court heard that Edwards was no stranger to the courts, with a criminal record dating back to 1969, but he had no convictions since 2011. Despite his record, prosecutor Cindy Clarke noted that the court had never ordered reports to look into his personal circumstances.

Edwards himself apologised, saying the last nine months have been very difficult and he has been unable to find work.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo ordered that Edwards submit to a social inquiry report and a drug assessment, releasing him on $2,000 bail with a like surety until December, when he will return for sentencing.

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