A Canadian journalist making a promotional TV programme about Bermuda got arrested for assaulting a Police officer and telling him that Bermudians are stupid.

Francisco Reyes, from Toronto, was arrested at 12.25 a.m. yesterday after a fracas at The Reefs resort. Crown counsel Paula Tyndale said that Police had been called to a disturbance at the resort and proceeded to speak to Reyes, 29, about this.

?While they were questioning him he became hostile, saying that he hated Bermuda and that everyone here is stupid,? said Ms Tyndale.

When P.c. Edward Smith stepped between Reyes and a security guard, Reyes is alleged to have pushed the officer in the chest and hit him in the face with an open right hand.

He was arrested and appeared at Magistrates? Court later yesterday morning where he pleaded guilty to assaulting P.c. Smith in the execution of his duty. Representing himself at the the hearing, he told Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo: ?I apologise for my comments. I just arrived in Bermuda two days ago and am doing a promotional film on Bermuda. I don?t remember the incident as I was totally inebriated after a night out. Prior to this, I had been on assignment in the Middle East where you are not allowed to drink. There was a dispute with a taxi driver who took me back to my hotel, as he didn?t give me enough change ? so I am told by a friend. I?m here for two more weeks and I really like it here, although I have only seen the courtroom.?

This prompted Mr. Tokunbo to respond: ?You?ve been here two days and think Bermuda is stupid? ?You think we will let you stay two weeks??

He fined Reyes $1,500 and gave him until November 17 to pay, causing the defendant to protest: ?I?m just a journalist. I can?t afford that.?