A light-fingered California crook has been convicted of stealing computers from a courthouse while on trial for computer theft.

Jon Houston Eipp, 39, of Novato, pleaded guilty on Monday to the computer theft crimes along with various burglary, theft, and drug possession offences. He faces up to five years in jail.

"It just amazed me that someone could be in the middle of a jury trial for a burglary involving computers and immediately get involved in another burglary at the Civic Centre," sheriff's seargent Jerry Niess told AP.

Speaking from jail, Eipp said he nicked the computers as a "crazy way" of asking for help with his drug problem. "I needed help, and I didn't know how to ask for help. And I guess, in my crazy way, that was my way of asking for help. Help with my drug problems, help with my sanity," he said. ®