man $1,600 in fines.

Jermaine Pitcher yesterday pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Will Francis to possessing cannabis, obstructing Police, and violently resisting arrest.

But Pitcher strongly objected to the resisting arrest charge despite pleading guilty and claimed he could not have obstructed Police because he has a permanent foot injury and cannot run.

"I don't know what Police told you but that's all exaggerated,'' Pitcher, 28, of Mount Road, said.

"That cop told me to shut the `F' up before he punches me in the `F'ing' mouth,'' he added. "I never tried to run. I can't run. I had a bad accident.

The possession and obstruction, I'm guilty. But I showed no violence at all.'' Mr. Francis nevertheless fined Pitcher a total of $600 for the three offences and added a penalty of $1,000 for having drugs in an increased penalty zone -- at the Clearwater Beach Park.

He added: "I don't care if children are not around, Mr. Pitcher. People don't want to go down for a swim and have drugs around.'' The Magistrate heard uniformed officers from St. George's went to Clearwater having received a tip from the public that drugs were being sold.

Crown counsel Charmaine Smith said when Police arrived they saw Pitcher and two other men disperse while putting their hands in their pockets.

Pitcher was told he would be searched and replied: "I have nothing on me.

This is embarrassing.'' But when Police tried to get in the front right pants pocket, Pitcher tried to get away. He was caught and a struggle ensued, during which an officer was struck in the leg and a motorcycle was knocked over, Mrs. Smith said.

Pitcher shouted at officers: "You're not arresting me! I don't have nothing on me.'' A brown pay type envelope containing cannabis was eventually pried from Pitcher's fist.

Mr. Francis fined Pitcher $200 for obstructing Police, and $100 for possessing cannabis.