A teenager who uttered racial slurs towards an officer was placed on two years' probation in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Michael Coles Diel was ordered to undergo treatment for substance abuse, and prevented from leaving the Island to continue his studies abroad.

Said Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner: "You are, or were, a university student and you live in the multicultural community of Bermuda. I hope you understand that your behaviour is totally inexcusable, particularly to these Police officers who were simply doing their job."

Diel was arrested after an altercation with officers who believed he was in the care of a cycle while impaired.

Said Diel to an officer attempting to handcuff him: "You n*gger, get me out of these f*cking things n*gger. I am going to f*ck you up n*gger. You don't know who you are messing with. My dad's a lawyer."

The 19-year-old is the son of Mark Diel, a partner in law firm Marshall, Diel & Myers.

Last month, Diel admitted using offensive words, violently resisting arrest and refusing to take a breathalyser test on August 26.

Mr. Warner delayed sentencing until the completion of a Social Inquiry Report on the Harbour Road, Warwick resident.

In court yesterday, Diel's lawyer Richard Horseman said a combination of alcohol and medication led to the offensive words, not racism.

"This was a young individual who was heavily intoxicated," said Mr. Horseman. "The view of the Social Inquiry Report is that he is not a racist as such, but he lashed out.

"The stress and the press coverage of this incident has had an impact on him. He has embarrassed his friends and family."

Mr. Horseman said that Diel was scheduled to leave for university today, and asked for a sentence which would allow him to continue with his schooling.

"The family believes that this would be a good thing for him," he said."

However Mr. Warner pointed out that the Social Inquiry Report on Diel recommended a deferment of college.

"It's clear that being packed off to university without rehabilitation just doesn't work," said Mr. Warner.

Diel was sentenced to two years' probation for resisting arrest and using offensive words.

The terms demand he undergo substance abuse treatment and state that Probation Services can make an application to allow Diel to continue his education abroad, if they feel it is appropriate.

Diel was also fined $1,000, given ten demerit points, and banned from driving all vehicles for a year for refusing to give a breath sample.

Added Mr. Warner: "I hope you learn your lesson, and I hope you benefit from the orders I have made."