Stephen George Summerfield, 29, of Lloyds Road, appeared on three counts of shoplifting to a value of less than $2000 and one charge of destroy or damage property.

Magistrate Jan Stevenson described Summerfield as “someone well known to the court” as she contemplated sentencing options.

Ms Stevenson said she could jail Summerfield, and while that would fix “today’s problem”, it wouldn’t solve anything for the future.

Summerfield, sitting in the dock, who was already in custody, asked to speak to the magistrate, but was told to wait.

Summerfield’s solicitor, Shane Cunningham then addressed the court, saying Summerfield requested the matters be dealt with in way of a bond, adding his client had already spent an extended time in custody.

“He understands, to use his phrase, well, not quite his words, that if he mucks it up he goes back in custody,” he said.

“He has a real appreciation of what will occur if he breaches the bond.”

He added his client had been in custody for a total of two months and 19 days.

Summerfield interrupted again, telling Ms Stevenson he stole the items because he needed to eat.

“I didn’t have any food. I’d paid my rent and was a bit short for food that week,” he said.

“You’re certainly a discriminating shopper,” the magistrate replied, noting the food he’d stolen included Angus Blade and scotch fillet steaks.

He tried to reply, but Ms Stevenson told him to be quiet.

“Don’t talk me out of releasing you,” she said.

Summerfield received a section 10A bond on the charge of destroy or damage property and a suspended sentence section 12 bond for nine months, with ongoing supervision from probation and parole, on the shoplifting matters.