complaining to Police that he had been "robbed by three f***ing niggers.'' Magistrate Edward King told DeSilva, 25, who said he knew what he was saying, that he could be jailed for six months and fined more than $2,000.

Mr. King said: "Don't use the N-word any more. You are telling me you are aware of what you said.'' He added: "You know that word is a no-no -- it will cost you a lot. We aren't talking about a fine.'' Mr. King fined the accused $250 -- but told him he had to pay up immediately.

Magistrates' Court heard that Police saw DeSilva kick over a trash can on Reid Street in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said DeSilva appeared to be drunk and was shouting.

Police moved in and DeSilva, of Brighton Hill, Devonshire, told them he had been robbed, using the offensive words.

And when he was warned to calm down, he pushed a Police officer's cap to the back of his head and swore at the officers.

DeSilva, who admitted a previous conviction for breach of the peace, told the court: "I would just like to apologise to all the people who were there and the Police officers.''