A man who stole a motorcycle claimed he was only borrowing it "from a friend" when caught with it by Police.

Kevin Howard, 40, took the 150 cc red T Rex motorbike from the car park of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in November 2007.

Senior Crown Counsel Paula Tyndale said the motorcycle belonged to William Thompson and was worth $3,460.

On November 20 at 6 p.m., Mr. Thompson parked the bike and took a boat over to his home on Hinson's Island. When he returned a few days later however, the bike was missing and he reported it stolen.

It was an off-duty Police officer who helped to retrieve the motorcycle after becoming suspicious of Howard's behaviour in a hardware store.

Ms Tyndale said: "The defendant went out to the parking lot and once outside, the officer saw him approach the motorcycle and start it without putting the key in its ignition."

The officer approached Howard and called his Police colleagues to see if the bike was stolen. While doing so, Howard attempted to drive off.

"He pushed the bike off the stand and tried to ride off. The officer stopped the defendant and then the other officers arrived on the scene," said Ms Tyndale.

In an interview at Hamilton Police Station, Howard claimed "he had borrowed it from a friend, Zane Stubble". The officers however, were unable to trace this person.

Magistrates' Court heard Howard had previous convictions for dishonesty dating back to 2002, including stealing vehicles and receiving stolen goods. He is currently serving a three year jail sentence for breaking and entering.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner jailed him for one year.