a visiting couple as they were preparing Christmas dinner.

Matthews, of Reid Street, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to unlawful entry.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Donald Grant said two visitors were staying at their son's residence in Smith's Parish on Christmas Day while he was away on vacation.

As the couple were preparing their Christmas dinner, Matthews walked into the kitchen and demanded rum, Sgt. Grant said.

When he was asked to leave, Matthews -- who was sitting at the kitchen table -- became angry and began to bang on the kitchen table.

Sgt. Grant said Matthews was in the house for almost an hour before the couple were able to call the Police.

When Police arrived Matthews became abusive and swore at them.

Sgt. Grant said he was arrested and taken to the Hamilton Police Station.

Duty counsel Ms Kim Wilson said Matthews was intoxicated when he went to the house which had been previously owned by Matthews' friend.

She added that Matthews went to the house because he thought his friend, "who had allowed him to enter the house at will'', still lived there.

Matthews told the court he stayed at the house for a long time on Christmas Day because he had experienced a "black out'' and did not realise what was happening.