in the harbour.

Robert William Zuill, 51, of South Road, Paget appeared in Magistrates' Court charged with depositing rubbish in the harbour while he was in his motor vessel Alibi .

Zuill pleaded guilty but told Mr. King he had an alibi. The boat operator said he placed leftover food in a garbage can and went below deck. Zuill said he heard a rat in the bag and he started to kick that "s***'' overboard.

" Was this a water rat?'' asked Magistrate Edward King.

Marine Police saw an empty rum bottle, a soda cup and an empty soda can in the harbour and after inquiries reported Zuill.

Mr. King asked him why he did not kill the rat and take it ashore for dumping.

Before sentencing Zuill, Mr. King said: " I do not accept hook, line and sinker the defendant's explanation even if there was a rat the proper place to dispose of it was not in the waters of the harbour.''