Magistrate Edward King yesterday as a result of their drunken behaviour.

Jeremiah Nicholas Burrows, 30, appeared first on charges of unlawful assault, threatening behaviour, using offensive words and possession of an offensive weapon -- a hoe.

Burrows, of Fenton's Drive, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to all three charges and later explained that he had been so intoxicated he didn't even remember the incident.

Junior Crown counsel Shade Subair told the court that last Friday Burrows was found in the street outside Point Mart Grocery on St. John's Road waving a hoe.

He caused a couple travelling on a cycle to stop and when they accelerated away Burrows pursued them still brandishing his hoe.

When Police appeared on the scene, Burrows was still in the street with his hoe. According to Police, Burrows appeared irate and drunk. When asked his name, Burrows told officers to "f*** off''.

He was asked his name three more times and made the same reply.

When told he was under arrest Burrows replied "f*** you'' and lunged at the officer, Ms Subair told the court. Burrows was then wrestled to the ground.

Burrows told Mr. King that he wanted to apologise to everyone involved.

"I was out of order -- completely out of order,'' he said. "On top of that, I don't have any memory as to what happened. I don't do this every day.'' When asked what he thought his punishment should be by Mr. King, Burrows said: "I don't know, $3,000. I've never been in this predicament before.'' Mr. King was more lenient. "I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that you were intoxicated and acting out of character. Drunkenness is no defence to the offences you're charged with but because of your erstwhile clean record, I don't think a penalty greater than a conditional discharge of 12 months in respect of each count is warranted,'' he said.

Minutes later 30-year-old Michaelangelo James pleaded guilty to charges of using offensive words outside a Reid Street bar on the same day -- April 6.

Ms Subair told the court that Police attended the scene to find roughly 30 bar patrons out on the sidewalk including James.

According to Police, James said to an attending officer, "White boy, why don't you just f*** off.'' When told he was committing an offence, James replied: "I want you to beat me up.'' James told Mr. King he was just trying to stop a fight. "I did say the words.

I've apologised to the officer already and I apologise to the court for wasting your time.

When Mr. King asked James if he saw the difference between he and Burrows, James said no. "I was drinking too. I just carry myself a little better -- that's my cousin.'' Mr. King convicted James with a conditional discharge for 12 months.

The Acting Senior Magistrate also warned James that referring to people "by the colour of skin could mean a $5000 fine at least'' should he be charged under appropriate legislation.