in prison for contempt of court -- before serving a total of six months for other offences.

Mark Anthony Tucker, 29, of Ord Road, Warwick, yesterday changed his plea to guilty for using offensive words and assaulting a Policeman on February 11.

After originally being fined, Tucker threw a rolled up piece of paper in Magistrate Edward King's direction and refused to pick it up three times.

Earlier, Police prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor told the court Police went to Hayward's Grocery on Middle Road, Warwick, after 7 p.m.

They told Tucker he would be searched under suspicion of the Misuse of Drugs act. After a struggle, Tucker was taken to Hamilton Police Station.

Yesterday Sgt. Taylor told Mr. King that Tucker had been convicted of using offensive words on eight prior occasions, dating back to 1986.

Mr. King told Tucker: "I could fine you for each offence up to $2,830 or send you to prison or both. How should I deal with you?'' But Tucker refused to recommend a sentence, telling Mr. King: "You do what you want.'' Mr. King fined Tucker $500 for offensive words and $300 for obstructing a Police officer, the fines to be paid by April 17.

A defiant Tucker told Mr. King he would not pay the fine: "I'll take the four (months), I just gave you a thousand dollars for a fine.'' Mr. King then revoked the two fines to enter a prison sentence but Tucker kept talking.

Tucker was given two three month sentences which are to be served consecutively.

After a Police jailer beckoned him toward an exit, Tucker threw the ping-pong size ball of paper about half the distance to Mr. King.

He was asked three times to pick the paper up but refused each time.

He was charged under section 37 (1) of the Magistrate's Act and fined $100 -- payable immediately -- or given the prospect of 14 days in prison in default of payment.

When Tucker again refused to pay, Mr. King told him: "You will be taken to prison for what you have just done in my court.

"After that then you will serve the two consecutive sentences,'' he added.