ST JAMES, Jamaica – A chef’s attempt to steal frozen food from a Montego Bay restaurant backfired after he was caught on camera and confronted, preventing him from taking the items out of the establishment.

Lincoln Cranston, 30, was arraigned in the St James Parish Court on a charge of simple larceny before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley on Wednesday.

The allegations are that on June 9, an employee at the Pier 1 restaurant on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard noticed an odour coming from the bathroom and reported it to the supervisor.

When they went to investigate, they discovered a large quantity of shrimp, nuggets and pork hidden inside the bathroom.

The security camera was viewed, and Cranston, a chef employed by the establishment, was seen taking the items out and hiding them in the bathroom. The total value of the items was $72,000.

Cranston was later made aware of the situation, and he confessed to the crime, resulting in his arrest.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the court was informed that some of the items had been recovered, valued at $32,000, and could be used. However, Cranston was still held liable for $40,000.

“Mr Cranston, do you have the money to compensate them for their loss?” Smith-Ashley asked the accused man.

“I need a little more time,” Cranston replied, requesting another week.

The judge granted the defendant’s request for a week, postponing sentencing until July 13 and ordering him to bring $40,000 as per the restitution order.

His bail was extended.