yesterday.

Shauntaa Burch, 29, of Cambridge Road appeared in Plea Court on Wednesday where she pleaded guilty to wilful damage and was released on bail.

However, she went home and became involved in a family dispute, and at 7.15 p.m. Police responded to a report of a disturbance on Cambridge Road.

Officers spoke with Burch's mother who said she had been shouting profanity at the neighbours. Police found Burch sitting in a public place on Somerset Road, opposite Dean's Bakery, and they noticed her breath smelt of intoxicants.

The court heard that while Police spoke with Burch, she shouted offensive words at a passer by, and continued to act in an offensive manner toward Police and bystanders.

Officers arrested Burch and took her to Somerset Police station where she was charged, and she was later taken to Hamilton Police station to appear before the Magistrate in the morning.

While in her cell, Burch is also alleged to have damaged the wall, but pleaded not guilty to this charge.

Duty counsel Llewellyn Peniston said that Burch's actions had been influenced by alcohol, and that she was the mother of a young child.

Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King said: "Sometimes people want to square off and sometimes you need some Dutch courage.'' Mr. King then told Burch the maximum penalty for using offensive words in public was a fine of $2,880, or six months in prison, or both.

Mr. King also noted that the offence was committed on the same day that Burch had been released on bail.

He then fined her $200 which he gave her one week to pay, or face 28 days in prison.

Burch faces a trail on June 26 when she will answer the wilful damage charge.