in a public place on New Year's Eve.

Kareem Richardson, 19, admitted he was involved in two fights -- despite being warned by Police to behave himself.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor told the court that around 3.15 a.m. Police officers spotted Richardson struggling with two other men on Reid Street. The officers approached the threesome and warned them to behave.

But about half-an-hour later, the same officers saw Richardson involved in another fight on Court Street.

The officers again warned Richardson again, but he continued to swap blows with his opponent.

Richardson was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he was remanded in custody until yesterday.

Richardson's father yesterday told Senior Magistrate Will Francis that his son had caused "great shame to his family''.

"I am very disappointed in Kareem,'' his father said. "No matter what you do to him, it will not be worse than what I'm going to do to him when we get home. I can assure you that Kareem will never be before these courts again.'' Richardson, who agreed with his father, added: "It was very uncharacteristic of me and I apologise for my actions.'' Mr. Francis gave Richardson a 12-month conditional discharge.