A man from Falefa who stole a sleeping man's phone has been sentenced to four weeks jail.
In sentencing the man, presiding District Court Judge Mata Tuatagaloa, warned him that if he did it again, his next sentence would not be so lenient.
Afele Avila, pleaded guilty to the theft when the matter was called before Judge Tuatagaloa last month.
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During the sentencing hearing Judge Tuatagaloa said the defendant had a habit of roaming the streets and begging people for money as well as looking into people’s vehicles for property to steal.
When asked if he was in prison, the Mr Avila responded yes.
Her Honour then asked him how he felt about that place.
"Please your honour I don't want to go back to Tafaiagata, it is not a good place,” Mr Avila told the court. He was then told by Judge Tuatagaloa that if he knows that prison is not a good place "do not steal again".
Her Honour then ordered Mr Avila spend four weeks in prison with time already served deducted from the sentence.
Judge Tuatagaloa told the defendant next time he breaks the law he would not be given another opportunity.
According to the Court Avila has numerous previous convictions.
The decision was delivered by Judge Tuatagaloa on Wednesday morning.
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