'Lucky' tourist thief fined in NSW court

An Italian tourist has been fined for stealing his roommate's credit card to buy cigarettes and shampoo, with a Sydney magistrate saying he could have had his hand cut off if he'd committed crimes in some other countries.

Luca Capelli, 28, pleaded guilty to stealing and two counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception when he appeared via audiovisual link at Parramatta bail court on Saturday.

The Italian-born waiter was fined $1500 for taking the credit card of a man he lives with at the Chiliblue Backpackers in Potts Point and purchasing $65 worth of cigarettes and shampoo on Thursday night.

"You're lucky you landed in a good country to commit your crime, some countries could cut your hand off," magistrate Brennan said.

Legal aid lawyer Mr Garretty said Capelli recognised it was a "stupid decision" and made full admissions when confronted by his roommate.