himself faced with prison for non-payment of child support.

John Ox, 36, of Middle Road, Warwick, denied removing a cycle but pleaded guilty to possessing no driver's licence or insurance.

During the hearing, a court official handed Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis a warrant for Cox's arrest for failing to pay $800 in family support payments.

Cox pleaded not to be sent to prison, adding he had just started a new job.

"This would send me straight back to where I was before,'' he said. "I may as well stay in the can for the rest of my life.'' Instead, he offered to pay the total sum within two weeks.

Mr. Francis stayed the warrant and ordered Cox to pay up by May 26. He set a September trial for the bike removal offence.