A drug addict who broke into and stole from two Hamilton businesses will be sentenced in Magistrates’ Court this week.

Ernest Smith, 46, from Southampton, admitted to the charges, as well as to stealing car equipment and assaulting a man, when he appeared in court on Friday.

The court heard that on January 23, Smith entered Sensational Delights restaurant through the bathroom window and took $700 from a safe.

Smith then stole five bottles of alcohol, valued at $288, from Karma nightclub on February 11.

Shortly after stealing the liquor, the court was told, Smith broke into a car and ripped out the speaker from inside.

Smith then punched a man in the face while walking along Reid Street on February 21.

The blow caused abrasions to the man’s left cheek and also resulted in him falling to the ground, injuring his hands.

Smith was identified in all four incidents through CCTV footage and witness descriptions.

He apologised to the court for his actions and said: “I’m an addict and addicts do a lot of things, believe me when I tell you. It makes no sense leaving me out here on the streets.”

Magistrate Tyrone Chin adjourned the case until March 1 for sentencing and remanded Smith into custody.

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