for assaulting and stealing from an English visitor.

Hill, 43, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the charges of theft and assault.

Prosecutor Sgt. Anthony Mouchette explained to the court that on April 22 Hill approached John Mathews in Barr's Bay Park, Hamilton and asked him for money.

When the man refused, Hill punched him in the mouth and threw him to the ground.

Hill then reached in the man's back pocket and took his wallet which contained $150 and 42.

The visitor, who was in Bermuda on business, returned to the Hamilton Princess and contacted the Police.

Sgt. Mouchette told the court that Hill, who won a bronze medal in the 1976 Olympics, had a history of similar convictions.

Hill's lawyer Elizabeth Christopher asked Magistrate Edward King to consider that Hill had attempted "to stay more on the straight and narrow'', but that "cocaine was his problem''.

She also pointed out that Hill did not cause any harm to the complainant and that the charges were less serious than some of Hill's previous offences.

But Mr. King reminded Hill that he had promised not to return to court.

Mr. King imposed a six-month suspended prison sentence for two years for both charges, noting that suspended sentences were helpful to the "good fellow who wants to change his ways''. And he urged Hill to take that route.