into tears in Magistrates' Court yesterday as he described how Police threw away his liquor.

Alvin (Alabama) Anderson, of Old Wells Lane, pleaded guilty "with an explanation'' to the charge.

Anderson told the court how Police saw him drinking in a public space and asked him to leave.

He said he went to pick up a paycheque, and used part of the pay to buy more liquor.

When Anderson drank the liquor on York Street around 20 minutes later, Police charged him with the offence.

"I didn't have more than two sips of my liquor before the Police came and threw it away, your Honour,'' Anderson said before bursting into tears.

Magistrate Edward King warned Anderson that if he planned to drink, he was advised to drink on private property.

Mr. King sentenced Anderson to a 12-month conditional discharge.