Yellowknife (Mar 03/04) - A Yellowknife man was fined $300 for theft on Feb. 24, after he stole another man's wallet, watch and necklace -- in full view of surveillance cameras -- at RCMP headquarters.

Brian Moore, 38, lifted the items from an unlocked bin where inmates store their personal effects as he was checking out following a night in a holding cell.

When the items were discovered missing, police reviewed the surveillance video and spotted Moore reaching into the bin and grabbing the items.

Moore's lawyer, Kelly Payne, described the theft as "stupid and impulsive" with "a very remote possibility" of success.

Moore pleaded guilty to the theft charge in territorial court and was fined $300.

He also admitted to assaulting a man at the Salvation Army on Dec. 20, after the victim "took his spot" according to Crown prosecutor Sandra Aitken.

"It would have been cheaper to find a first class hotel for the night," said Judge Brian Bruser.

Moore, who has a long record that includes a conviction for attempted murder, apologized for the theft and assault, saying he's struggling with an alcohol problem, but has been sober for several weeks.

"I'm sorry for my actions," he said. "Alcohol was a problem for me."