A contrite thief admitted in court yesterday that he had learnt his lesson after he was arrested for stealing money on a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus recently.

The accused, Kemarley Mclean, pleaded guilty to larceny from the motor vehicle. He, however, explained that he knew he was wrong but was tempted as the money was left "careless".

"It is not something that I practise and I'm really shameful your honour," Mclean told the court.

The court heard that he stole the money on the bus which he was a passenger. However, as soon as the driver realised that the money was missing, he drove back the bus to the transport centre in Half-Way Tree where he had all the passengers searched by a police officer.

The search revealed the stolen money in Mclean's possession wrapped in a handkerchief.

Before sentencing, Mclean reiterated to the court that he had learnt his lesson as he shared his experience in jail.

He told the court that being in jail gave him a wake-up call as his experience was even more horrid than the stories he previously heard.

Mclean was eventually sentenced to 240 hours of community service to polish police cars and spray them.

RM Pusey then warned, " If you do not do the community service ... that place that you don't like so much ... you're going to do two years there."

Mclean then replied, "Thanks your honour ... that is experience you're giving me ... thanks."