an offensive weapon.

Tyrone Burchall, 23, of Morgan's Road, received a six-month conditional discharge.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis convicted Burchall of the charge after a short trial.

P.c. Frank Dublin said on February 18 he was called to a disturbance outside St. George's Liquour Store.

He saw one youth, Kuma Smith, running along Duke of York Street, chasing another youth.

P.c Dublin came up beside Smith, who "told me that the other youth, Burchall, had a weapon''.

He watched as Burchall waved a broken beer bottle at Smith.

As P.c. Dublin approached, Burchall tossed the bottle over a wall. He told Police he had the bottle for protection and was arrested for possessing an offensive weapon. At the station, he made a written statement admitting that he had the bottle to defend himself from Smith.

Burchall admitted in court he had the bottle but said he never intended to use it.

He also told court that while running away from Smith, who was threatening him, he slipped on a bottle which stuck to his shoe.

The officer approached him as he was throwing the bottle away and arrested him, Burchall said.

Mr. Francis told Burchall he found it hard to believe that he ran 50 yards with a broken bottle on the bottom of his shoe.

The judge said: "I find the story the defendant told totally unbelievable, although I do think the accused was provoked''.

Sgt. Grant said Burchall had no previous convictions and did not threaten Police.