A perfume salesman who stole a bag with $20,000 cash from a counter in a store in downtown Kingston and ran was fined $15,000 and also warned that next time he will be imprisoned.

Roderick Wilson was fined after he pleaded guilty to simple larceny, and if the fine is not paid he is to serve six months in prison.

The court heard that on December 10 the complainant left her bag on top of a counter inside a clothing store and went inside the changing room when Wilson took up the bag and ran from the store.

He was chased and held and the police were summoned.

The bag contained $20,000 cash and other items all valued $50,000.

After Wilson pleaded guilty, Judge Pusey then asked if he was employed and he told her that he sells perfume.

“You better stick to that,” she said, while adding: “This Christmas stealing got to stop. People work hard to save money for Christmas and you come and take it.”

Wilson was then ordered to pay $15,000 or serve six months in prison.

“Next time you come down here for stealing you going to prison,” the judge promised him after handing down the fine.