A Southampton man who was chased down by lifeguards after stealing a tourist’s bag was this morning remanded into custody.

Paul Williams, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of theft in connection to the incident, which took place at Horseshoe Bay over the Bermuda Day weekend.

The court heard that on Saturday, May 24, Massachusetts resident Karen Sulton visited the Southampton beach with her husband. The couple lay their towels down near the first lifeguard tower and went for a swim, leaving her bag next to their towels.

While swimming, Mr Sulton noticed Williams standing near their belongings. Moments later he saw Williams running down the beach holding Mrs Sulton’s bag.

The husband called out for assistance and two members of the public chased Williams into some nearby bushes, where he dropped the bag.

The chase continued with Williams taking to the water, but lifeguards on duty caught him and pulled him back to shore.

Williams was subsequently arrested and admitted stealing the bag, which contained $150 in cash, a $400 camera, a $300 iPod and sunglasses worth $100 among other items.

He told police he had gone to the beach to solicit money to buy drinks, food and drugs, but when he was unsuccessful he snatched the bag.

Williams has several previous convictions for similar offences and had been ordered by the courts last October to attend the Men’s Wellness Centre. He left that facility on April 4 to meet with his mother and never returned.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner ordered a social inquiry report and a drug assessment be carried out on Williams, remanding him until next month when he is set to be sentenced.