A Sandys man who stole materials from Telford Electric has been ordered to serve six months behind bars.

Randy Thompson, 56, of Scotts Hill Road, was charged with stealing five bundles of EMT blue flex material valued at $325 on September 2. In Magistrates' Court he claimed he only took one bundle and said: "How am I going to carry 500 feet (of flex) on a pedal bike anyway?"

The court heard how the owner of Telford Electric, who lives next to the store on Somerset Road, was driving her car when she noticed Thompson, a former employee, leaving the store with blue material on the back of his bike. She confronted him and asked if he was stealing again, before he escaped. Thompson was later arrested at his home by Police and cautioned about the offence, to which he replied: "I am taking the blame."

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner considered Thompson's criminal history with charges going back to 1969 before sentencing. Mr. Warner said: "The only remorse you appear to show is the guilty plea. "You seem very nonchalant, if not arrogant, about this matter like it doesn't matter. I gave you the opportunity to explain your circumstances and in your arrogance you say you have nothing to say."

Thompson shouted after the sentencing and told Mr. Warner: "I am frustrated. I mean put yourself in my place. You give me six months for a bundle of flex."