sentence for assaulting a Police officer.

Sinclair Ernest Usher, who lives at the Salvation Army shelter, pleaded guilty to the charge in Magistrates' Court.

He also admitted violently resisting arrest.

Police awoke Usher, who was sleeping at the shelter on March 2, after they received a report that cash was stolen from an office there.

Prosecuting Insp. Peter Duffy said when Police told Usher he was being arrested on suspicion of stealing, he grabbed one of the officers by the neck and punched him.

Usher was eventually restrained and arrested.

Duty counsel Mr. Edward King said Usher was reacting to being awakened by people he did not know.

He said Usher was sorry for his actions and asked Acting Senior Magistrate the Wor. John Judge to be as lenient as possible.

"It's difficult to fine a man without means to pay the fine imposed,'' Mr.

Judge said, adding that he also believed the offences were not serious enough to warrant a prison term.

He sentenced Usher, who had a previous conviction for wounding, to six months in prison suspended for two years for assaulting the officer and one month in prison suspended for two years for violently resisting arrest.

The suspended sentences are to run concurrently.