MONTEGO BAY, St James — A steward who admitted to stealing $500,000 worth of food items from his employer was saved prison time as both parties came to an agreement through mediation.

Derrick Thomas was summoned before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday to answer charges of simple larceny. The Montego Bay resident appeared before presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

According to court records, on August 15 the complainant received information about suspicious activities at the place of business.

A review of the security footage revealed that Thomas entered the establishment on August 7, 14, and 15 and stole a variety of items. These included a 25-pound sack of flour, rice and sugar, as well as a gallon each of tomato ketchup and vinegar. He also stole bags filled with chicken and numerous cans of Supligen, a meal supplement drink.

“Why did you take those items, sir?” Judge Fairclough-Hylton asked the defendant.

“I could have asked and get it, but…” Thomas said, as his voice trailed off.

“So you prefer to steal? If you could just ask for something and get it, why steal it?” the judge asked.

“How long should I send you to prison for?” Fairclough-Hylton then asked Thomas.

“I will pay back the money,” the accused man replied.

The judge persisted.

“I never asked you about the money; I asked you how long should I send you to prison for?” she said.

“I don’t want to go to prison, ma’am,” the defendant replied.

He and the complainant were then advised to participate in mediation overseen by a probation officer within the judicial setting. The men reached an agreement; however, the details were not disclosed in court. The court was informed, however, that Thomas made a payment to the complainant.

Based on the mediation agreement, the prosecution offered no evidence against Thomas.

Before allowing the accused man to leave the courtroom, the judge instructed him to return on September 25 to make another payment.