Laughter overwhelmed the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday after a matter concerning a man who stole a police officer's sunglasses, while he was handcuffed, was heard.

The court heard that on January 7, the defendant, Alfanso Harris, had been initially arrested for possession of ganja but furthered his troubles after he stole a policeman's sunglasses while he was in police custody.

Harris was fined $100 or 10 days for possession of ganja plus $4,000 court cost. He was then sentenced to 30 days imprisonment for simple larceny.

Information presented to the court was that the accused was searched by the police and a small transparent plastic bag containing vegetable matter resembling ganja, weighing about one ounce, was taken from his right shirt pocket.

The court then became amused when it was revealed that while the accused was being transported to the Half-Way Tree Police Station, in a patrol vehicle, he stole a detective constable's sunglasses.

The sunglasses was later recovered from the accused knapsack bag which he had on his back while he was still handcuffed from behind.