Magistrates' Court.

Dion L. Burgess, 28, of Kyber Pass, pleaded guilty to gaining credit by false pretences.

Prosecuting, Insp. Peter Duffy told the court that at 2 a.m. on September 4 Burgess hired a taxi to take him from Front Street to Verdmont Valley in Smith's.

"After getting to Verdmont Valley, Burgess owed the driver $14.05,'' Insp.

Duffy said.

"Burgess told the driver to wait while he got the money from his friend.'' Insp. Duffy added that Burgess returned and told the driver that his friend said that he should come back the following day for his fare.

After relaying the message, Burgess ran from the scene.

When asked by Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis if he had anything to say, Burgess replied: "I was going to pay him but he had no right to slap me.

That's when I walked off.''