Oliveira got behind the counter and started serving.

And just in case they had second thoughts about accepting, he threatened to beat them up if they didn't drink up.

The bizarre scene at the Anchorage Bar on North Shore was described to Magistrates' Court yesterday by prosecutor Sgt. Rex Osborne.

He said that on September 29, Oliveira went into the bar and shouted to the two barmaids that he wanted a drink. They refused to serve him because of his demeanour.

After he threatened to hit them with a bike helmet they left the counter and raised the alarm.

Oliveira, 30, then took his shirt off, went behind the counter and smashed several glasses. He served several drinks, threatening customers if they didn't drink them. Then he smashed a bottle of whisky.

Police arrived to find him shouting obscenities from behind the counter and threatening to fight them. Barging out, he pushed one of the officers, starting a violent struggle.

He was eventually handcuffed and arrested, Sgt. Osborne said. The incident was the second involving Oliveira at the bar, he added. On September 25 Police were called to a disturbance at the Anchorage and found him outside, where he had been taken by friends.

Oliveira, minus a shirt, was shouting and swearing and throwing his arms around aggressively.

"He appeared intent on fighting everyone and anyone,'' said Sgt. Osborne.

Eventually Oliveira broke free of his friends and ran straight into an officer. After ignoring advice to behave, he was arrested.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Portuguese national admitted using threatening behaviour, assaulting Pc. Brian Robinson, violently resisting arrest, and damaging the bar property on September 29. He also admitted using offensive behaviour on September 25.

Lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz said Oliveira had been a kitchen porter at the Southampton Princess hotel for more than six years, and had a hard-working reputation and no previous convictions.

"It seems clear that something has gone wrong with Mr. Oliveira's life,'' he said. "He goes to the Anchorage Bar for a drink and then something develops.'' Oliveira had undergone tests at St. Brendan's Hospital but had been released.

The offences were totally out of character.

"As regards his employment, he has blotted his copybook and it will be likely that he will be leaving these islands as a result.'' Senior magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said he was mystified by Oliveira's behaviour change. He fined him $750.