for being a litterbug -- a $250 fine.

And Acting Magistrate the Wor. Ed Bailey said the fine should send out a clear message to the public.

"It is a very serious offence,'' he added.

Mr. Bailey, who rapped Darrell for treating the allegation lightly, said many people were probably not aware of the offence.

Darrell, of Mary Victoria Road, was found guilty of throwing tin foil and a brown paper bag onto Middle Road, Devonshire, on April 9.

The court heard Darrell, who was on a cycle, was spotted by motorist Reginald McCluskey, of Pain Lane, St. George's.

Former military Policeman McCluskey said he tailed Darrell, and got him to stop in Cavendish Heights.

He asked him to pick up his garbage, and warned he was going to call the Police.

Darrell, who had denied the charge, said he was a victim of mistaken identity.

But yesterday Mr. Bailey said he preferred the evidence of McCluskey, who had noted the number of Darrell's bike.

Mr. Bailey, urging Darrell to discard his waste properly in future, said: "I hope you would act like Mr. McCluskey, and if you saw someone littering would report the matter to the Police.''