A 48-year-old man has notched up 70 court convictions -- 51 of them for drinking in public or being drunk and incapable.

William Matthews admitted his latest offence, drinking in public on Front Street, at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

His first conviction -- for being drunk and incapable -- was 29 years ago.

Since then he has been fined more than $3,000.

The court heard his 70th offence was at 11.45 a.m. on Wednesday, when he was seen staggering among cruise passengers while drinking from a bottle in a brown paper bag.

Matthews also admitted crime number 69 -- being drunk and incapable on Victoria Street on July 28.

Prosecutor Sgt. Rex Osborne said he was seen at about 6 p.m., lying on a bench.

He tried to stand up but fell into the arms of Police.

The court heard Matthews, of Spring Hill, Warwick, w as single and unemployed.

He was unable to take proper care of himself and was regularly seen sleeping in city streets.

"It appears he does have a problem,'' said Sgt. Osborne.

Since his first offence in 1964 he had been dealt with by conditional discharges, fines of up to $300 and jail terms of up to three months.

He had been fined a total of $3,336, Sgt. Osborne said.

"Besides anything else, it's been a rather expensive situation.

"He's had an offer of attending Alcoholics Anonymous before now, but it appears that very little has been accomplished.

"I don't know what else the courts or society can do.'' Matthews told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis he was trying to get off drink.

"When I'm up the country I don't drink,'' he said. But in Hamilton it was a different matter.

"There's only one course I can take,'' said Mr. Francis, giving him three months in jail.

"I hope that while you are in custody you will think your life through and try to come to some sort of resolution.

"If you have to stay out of Hamilton then stay out.''