Man with no fixed place of abode to spend nine months at Dodds for theft

Convicted thief Andrew Valentino Smith said he had plans to return a barbecue grill that he had stolen from a woman’s patio once he was finished grilling potatoes.

The 32-year-old, of no fixed place of abode, gave the explanation to Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes after pleading guilty to stealing the $349.99 item belonging to Katherine Sandy between May 28 and 29.

The complainant, according to Station Sergeant Crishna Graham, saw the grill around 8 p.m. on May 28 but around 8 a.m. the following morning the item was no longer in the front patio where she had left it.

She secured CCTV footage from a neighbour and observed Smith leaving with her grill.

Police were called in and the culprit was arrested and questioned.

Smith, who is known to the court, then escorted police to an area near the Cheapside Market and pointed out the grill. It was retrieved.

“At that time I stole the grill, I only carry down the grill to grill some potatoes.

“I didn’t have plans to actually steal it. I was to carry it back sir,” said Smith who added that he was in the habit of getting food from a neighbour.

Smith was sentenced to nine months in prison for the crime.