A hungry thief who stole $400 in cash from a woman who left her handbag at a Hamilton restaurant was ordered to spend nine months in custody after pleading guilty to theft.

Neville Knights, 46, of Soundview Road, Sandys, admitted to Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner that he "nicked" the handbag after an opportunity was presented to him when he spotted the unattended article.

Crown Counsel Shakira Dill said that on 5.30 p.m. on September 4, Ashley Stovell was eating a meal at a local restaurant along with other people. The defendant was also having a meal at a nearby table.

Ms Dill said the victim left the restaurant and walked down Queen Street but realised she had left her white handbag at the restaurant. She returned to collect it but could not find it.

At the time Knights was observed by other people leaving the restaurant after Ms Stovell had left.

A few days later he returned to the restaurant and Ms Stovell, who was there again, recognised his description and identified him to the Police.

When Knights was arrested on suspicion of theft he admitted to taking the handbag, removing the cash and throwing it away.

Before being sentenced Knights said: "I saw an opportunity, I was down and out and I needed food and clothes."

Mr. Warner ordered Knights to spend nine months in custody for committing the theft.