CONFESSED drug user Garfield Burrowes, 39, was yesterday fined $30,000 with the alternative of 12 months imprisonment for simple larceny.

Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle imposed the monetary penalty on him after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Burrowes (no address given) admitted the Boxing Day theft of 15 steel rods worth $30,000, property of Abigail Bhaveghens.

The defendant claimed, after he was caught in the act, the virtual complainant and her husband beat him.

Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said Bhaveghens raised an alarm while Burrowes was running away with the booty and other persons in the neighbourhood apprehended him.