KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man who allegedly broke into a canteen and stole food says he did it because he was hungry.

Mark Sherrington had his matter bumped up in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday when he tried to leave the holding area to access the bathroom.

Sherrington is charged with shop breaking and larceny. He was reportedly caught on CCTV footage eating the stolen food.

According to court documents, on May 17, 2024, the complainant securely locked up a canteen which the accused allegedly later broke into. He reportedly stole food and a Samsung tablet valued at $18,000. Sherrington was apprehended the same day.

It is reported that while being apprehended, Sherrington asked officers “You never hear bout me? A me name coke boss.”

Appearing before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, Sherrington was ready to enter a plea.

Questioning whether she should order a psychiatric evaluation of the accused, he responded “I’m very, very, very clear.”

“I just eat two chicken and a bread and they lock me up from May until now,” a resolved Sherrington told the court.

Pleading his case, the accused explained that while he managed to open the lock and enter the canteen, he only took food.

“Many other things was there to take but I just took the food,” Sherrington told the court.

He explained that he had visited a friend for $1,000 and ended up breaking into the canteen because he was very hungry.

“I’m very sorry about it,” a regretful Sherrington told the court.

“You were a thief with a purpose,” Judge Burrell responded.

Sherrington is to return to court on June 18, 2024 for a bail application and to enter a plea but he explained to the court he will have nowhere to go and no one to turn to should bail be granted.

— Kelsey Thomas