SOURCE: ANITGUA OBSERVER- A 30-year-old man who committed theft twice in a single day at Automotive Art, has been fined $500 for each offence or face 30 days imprisonment.

On the morning of July 3rd, Morris Daniel made a purchase at the business and paid the cashier for a few items but discreetly pushed aside a water-based paint and subsequently left without paying for it.

Later that same day, he returned to the establishment and was observed repeating the same act, which led to the police being called.

However, Daniel, who had already left the store, was identified after the floor supervisor was informed of the incident, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. When the police arrived at his residence, the paint was discovered in his home.

Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, who reviewed the case yesterday, inquired about the quantity of paint and asked the defendant to explain his actions.

Daniel told the court that the two cans of paint, which amounted to $128, was beyond his financial means, that he had numerous bills to settle and he was under considerable stress.

However, Magistrate Wason did not find this justification acceptable. He said that what troubled him most was Daniel’s audacity to return to the business and commit the offence again, and informed the defendant that he now had a larger financial obligation to fulfill.

Additionally, Daniel was ordered to compensate Automotive Art $128 for the water-based paint.