Leslie McKenzie told Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards that he originally planned to commit theft on the night of Sept. 7 when he was spotted near Hodges Creek Marina with a bag containing a pair of latex gloves, a knife and other tools.
“But I changed my mind,” he added, during an appearance in court Friday.
The 26-year-old, who on Sept. 12 pleaded guilty to going equipped to steal, was given a $5,000 bail offer with one surety on Friday.
Before granting the bail, however, Ms. Richards said she had a major concern: The defendant is homeless.
“It’s very strange that at 26 years old you’re living on the road,” the judge said. “You’ve been in prison for more than three weeks now. Do you prefer it there?”
“No, I prefer being out,” Mr. McKenzie said.
The defendant apologised for his actions, and said he was having trouble finding work at the time.
“I was on and off jobs,” he said. “At the time I was frustrated.”
Although Mr. McKenzie told the magistrate he doesn’t have a problem with drugs or alcohol, she ultimately decided to refer him to the Sandy Lane Centre.
“Something must be wrong, and I think you’re not telling me something,” she added.
Mr. McKenzie is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1.