wounding.

Scott Eugene Darrell, 23, pleaded guilty to hitting Antonio Swan with an ashtray when he appeared in Magistrates' Court.

Darrell also pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis.

Sgt. Peter Giles, prosecuting, said the incident took place in the Sparrow's Nest bar on Reid Street on December 4. The two men were drinking together at about 10.30 p.m., and began arguing, but then separated.

Later, at about 1 a.m., the two men met in the hallway, and more words were exchanged, said Sgt. Giles. According to Swan's statement, Darrell slapped him, and then, as Swan turned to flee, Darrell hit him in the back of the head with an ashtray he was holding.

Darrell denied in court that he slapped Swan before he hit him with the ashtray, and also claimed he confronted Swan face-to-face, and had not hit him from behind.

He explained that the blow landed on the back of Swan's head because Swan turned and ducked as Darrell swung the ashtray.

Darrell said: "He just kept bugging me, and bugging me, and I couldn't take it anymore.'' When he was arrested and searched at Hamilton Police Station, a small brown envelope with 0.2 grams of cannabis was found.

"I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt,'' said Senior Magistrate the Wor.

Will Francis. "There might have been some provocation, but the assault was just totally unjustified.'' He fined Darrell $400 for the assault, and $100 for possession of cannabis.