A thief was yesterday sent to the drug treatment court after he admitted stealing food from a supermarket.

Magistrates’ Court heard that Nelson Pacheco, 34, would also be the subject of reports after he avoided sentence on drugs charges for three years.

The court heard that Pacheco, from Hamilton Parish, was spotted putting items in his backpack by a store manager.

The manager confronted Pacheco, who said he had stolen the food because he did not have any money.

Pacheco later told police he “was hungry and wanted something to eat”.

The incident happened on January 30, 2018.

Lisa Trott, for the defence, said that Pacheco also failed to appear in court in April 2018 to be sentenced for possession of cocaine and drug equipment.

She explained that he admitted the offences three months before and was referred to the drug treatment court, but was found to be unsuitable for the programme.

Ms Trott said that Pacheco was scheduled to reappear in Magistrates’ Court to get a different sentence but failed to turn up.

She added that Pacheco could benefit from being reassessed to see if he was now suitable for treatment programmes.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo adjourned both cases until today’s sitting of the drug treatment court and remanded Pacheco in custody.

He also ordered an updated social inquiry report and drug assessment to find out of Pacheco could undergo treatment.

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