Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis he would rather go to prison than pay any fines.

Dexter Robinson, 21, got his wish yesterday when Mr. Francis gave him 147 days in prison in lieu of $1,475 in fines. The Tribe Road No. 2 resident was also disqualified for 12 months because of his antics.

Sgt. Rex Osbourne, procecuting, told the court that officers on routine patrol on May 2 noticed Robinson driving erratically on an auxillary cycle along Crow Lane in Hamilton without a helmet.

When signalled by Police to stop, Robinson accelerated and raced out of the city weaving across the road as he went. Police pulled up alongside and asked him again to pull over, to which Robinson replied: "I've got to get to my mother's house.'' Robinson managed to negotiate the Trimingham Road-Crow Lane roundabout, and headed back towards Hamilton, still "veering from curb to curb''. Police pulled ahead in another effort to stop him, but Robinson managed to steer around them, damaging the patrol car in the process.

"That's not going to stop me!'' he reportedly yelled at the officers.

Sgt. Osbourne said Robinson then drove between traffic poles onto the opposite side of Crow Lane into oncoming traffic. Several vehicles had to move to avoid hitting him as he attempted to turn up Lane Hill.

Robinson lost control of his cycle once getting onto the hill, and was apprehended moments later.

He was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, impaired driving, failure to stop, not wearing a helmet, and driving an unlicenced, uninsured cycle.

Robinson interrupted his sentencing by saying: "Instead of a fine your Worship, I'll do the time at Casemates -- or whatever facility.''