A Canadian man who has been in Bermuda for three weeks to set up a company was caught stealing from a store, a court heard yesterday.

Alexander Francey, 30, pleaded guilty to taking merchandise from Gorham’s when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court. He also admitted to stealing from other shops

The court heard that Francey, of no known address, wanted to buy a tarpaulin, motor oil and fuel cleaner on December 27, but his card declined at the checkout counter.

When approached by a Gorham’s security guard, Francey told the guard he had lost the receipt. He then left with the unpaid items, valued at more than $30.

He was arrested on Par-la-Ville Road a short time later and confessed to taking the items.

The court heard that Francey moved to Bermuda three weeks ago to set up a new base for his Canadian company. The company’s name was not mentioned.

He told magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo that he stole the merchandise to keep himself and his bike dry.

He added that his card has not worked since he arrived on island and as a result, he had stolen from other stores.

Mr Tokunbo adjourned the case to January 4 and ordered that Francey be remanded in custody.

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