face prison time because a magistrate said he treated courts with "contempt''.

Acting Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said the courts had been "gracious'' toward Lorin Scott Baxter on Monday when he was given until February 28 to pay $850 in fines.

But he abused this, Mr. Warner said, by riding while disqualified and escaping custody later that afternoon.

Mr. Warner heard Baxter, of 22 Fork Lane, was spotted by Police riding in a dangerous manner at 3.30 p.m. on Monday at the junction of Church and Parliament streets.

Crown counsel Charmaine Smith said Baxter was stopped and told Police his name was Michael Williams and his birthday was December 19, 1978.

The officers checked, and found Mr. Williams had numerous warrants issued in his name and promptly tried to arrest Baxter, who fled toward Victoria Street where he was caught.

But once inside Hamilton Police Station, Baxter recanted, telling Police his real name, age, and address.

Turning to Baxter yesterday, Mr. Warner said: "The court was gracious to you -- gave you time to pay (Monday's fine). And you treat the court with contempt by continuing to ride.'' He added: "You were given time yesterday to pay those fines and you went right outside and went riding when they told you not to ride.'' Baxter was fined $600 for riding while disqualified, and $300 for giving a false name to Police.

For escaping custody, he was fined $500. The fines Mr. Warner said were to be paid "forthwith''.

After duty counsel Michelle St. James asked on Baxter's behalf for sufficient time to pay the fines, Mr. Warner hotly replied: "No! He's not the type of person that will come back and pay these fines.'' Baxter denied a charge of riding in a dangerous manner and will be tried on April 27. He was released on $1,000 bail.

He appeared in court yesterday with his left arm in a sling.