A contract worker who tried to pull down a Union Jack flag from a Front Street flagpole was fined $150 yesterday.

Christopher Honke, 32, of Woodbourne Avenue, Pembroke, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to unlawfully destroying a flag staff, which was the property of the Corporation of Hamilton, on August 25.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines told the court that Police on mobile patrol saw Honke and two other men on Front Street attempting to steal the Union Jack flag and asked them to move on. When the officers returned they saw the flagpole was broken.

Police then saw Honke on Par-la-ville Road where he told them: "I f***ing did it. What are you going to do about it." He was cautioned and arrested.

Honke said: "I was drunk and stupid. I do apologise."

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves asked him was his name with an `a' or an `o' to which Honke replied an `o' and said: "That is the name that I was born with."

Mr. Greaves said: "I am fining you $150 for wasting the court's time and $60 compensation to replace the flag."

Defence lawyer Richard Horseman added: "And sing God Save the Queen."