cut from $1,000 to $250.

Kevin Stokes, 44, called Police in August, 1992, demanding action against noisy neighbours.

"I want something done about this noise,'' he told the operator. "Send a car down here.

"Why don't you get off your big, fat, lazy a**e and do some work for once.'' He refused to give his name, but Police traced the call and last June he admitted making a call without disclosing his identity and with intent to abuse.

Magistrate Ms Charles-Etta Simmons fined him $1,000.

This week Stokes appeared before Chief Justice the Hon. Austin Ward, asking for his fine to be reduced.

He said he made the call at around 2 a.m. to get action on noise that was making his windows vibrate.

The problem had been going on for several years, he said, giving the impression that recently-passed noise legislation was not being upheld. He added the maximum fine imposed in recent similar cases was $350.

Crown prosecutor Mr. Melvin Douglas argued the facts in other cases could be different. There had not been enough similar cases to establish a guideline figure for fines.

The $1,000 might have been excessive, he said, but the amount should be large enough to deter other offenders.

Mr. Justice Ward said Stokes had a "justifiable grievance'', and reduced the fine to $250.