as a defence lawyer to fine a man $200 for possessing a flick knife.

Corvin Ratteray, 27, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon -- after consulting his mother in court.

Mr. Warner heard Ratteray, of Colony Valley in Southampton, was stopped on his bike by plain clothes officers in an unmarked Police car on March 24.

Ratteray started running when the Police identified themselves. He dumped his bike near the junction between North Shore Road and Twin Lane South in Hamilton Parish.

And prosecutor Leighton Rochester told how the defendant tried to escape through nearby yards and gardens.

Mr. Warner gave Ratteray a conditional discharge for obstructing Police.

The defendant had checked with his mother before giving the Magistrate his plea, adding: "It is true that there was a chase.

"But I can't understand why I always have this type of trouble. It's like things have been exaggerated.

"The Police jammed me into a wall before I even knew who they were.'' Ratteray said he stopped running from the two officers because he realised he "hadn't done anything wrong''.

It was only at Hamilton Police Station that officers found he had the knife, which used to belong to his grandfather.

Ratteray said the knife had been under his bike seat.

But Mr. Warner said: "It is an offence to have a flick knife in any public place.'' The knife was confiscated and Ratteray's mother is now asking Police to return it, "for sentimental reasons''.

Ratteray, who has four previous convictions and two for obstructing Police, was given until November 30 to pay his fine.