Butterfield defending a Warwick man in Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Raymond Winslow Burgess, 21, of Hillview Road, appeared in court for failing to attend Regiment military duty and failing to complete military training.

Burgess, who missed Regiment appearances between October and November of 1998 and from January 4 to May 9 of this year, pleaded guilty to all charges against him.

In addition to failing to appear for Regiment duty Burgess also admitted committing a trio of traffic offences and failing to attend the subsequent court dates.

He pleaded guilty to speeding in June and July of 1999, and for riding with an unsecured helmet in December, 1999.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner questioned Burgess' disregard for the law.

"Sir I honestly forgot about it,'' Burgess said.

Mr. Warner replied: "You have total contempt for the system, that's your problem.'' Burgess said he was trying to focus on getting his GED which was why he didn't show up for his military duties.

"I'm just trying to straighten out my life,'' he said. "It's not just me, everyone is fed up about this army stuff.'' Mr. Warner said: "So that's your attitude huh?'' "I just can't deal with all this stuff in the way,'' Burgess said.

Mr. Warner replied: "If all these matters in your life are too burdensome, then I can send you someplace where you don't have to worry.'' Ms Butterfield said Burgess was part of her further education programme that helped people obtain their GED.

"He has attended class regularly and has paid for all his school fees,'' she said.

"Yes he does have a duty to serve his Country, but sending him to Westgate serves no purpose.

"I will be concerned, because he is ready to take his GED.'' Mr. Warner noted that Burgess' case was not unique as many people had to put aside other aspects of their lives to serve their military time.

Mr. Warner imposed a two year suspended sentence on Burgess for missing his Regiment duties, fined him $100 for the unsecured helmet, $300 for speeding in June, 1999, $250 for speeding in July, 1999, and disqualified him from driving all vehicles for six months.

MILITARY MIL