fine at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Lloyd Masters, 45, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to using offensive words on August 20.

Crown counsel Juan Wolfe said that at around 11 a.m. Masters was outside H.A.

and E. Smiths on Queen Street, when he approached an employee of the store and asked for money. The man refused.

Masters became enraged and said: "What would it cost if I set fire to this f***** shop, a couple of million? All I'm asking for is a couple of dollars.'' After Masters left the area, Police were called and he was later spotted in the Par-La-Ville car park.

When they approached him, he shouted: "Why the f*** don't you leave me alone?'' He was subsequently arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station.

Masters, who had previous convictions for similar offences, told Magistrate Edward King this was uncharacteristic behaviour.

"I don't usually carry on like that. I apologise, I can't see what else I can say.'' Mr. King replied: "But you've been twice convicted. I take into consideration your guilty plea, but you are a repeat offender. I fine you $250.''