Police officer she looked lovely then held her arm and begged.

Eugene MaCowen Darrell, 41, of no fixed abode, was seen by a female officer of Front Street near The English Sports Shop, Magistrates' Court heard.

Crown counsel Lesley Basden told Senior Magistrate Will Francis that Darrell spoke to the officer and told her she looked lovely. When the officer smiled, Darrell grabbed her by the arm and asked for money.

Darrell refused to release her until another Policeman in the vicinity came to her rescue.

He was arrested for disorderly conduct and common assault -- charges to which he pleaded guilty. After his arrest, Darrell said: "I was not begging. That's my girlfriend.'' The court also heard the day before Darrell was seen in front of The English Sports Shop begging.

When he was approached by the manager, he asked: "You got any change?'' Darrell was asked to move on but he said: "I would slap you alongside the head.'' Mr. Francis sentenced Darrell to three months in Westgate Correctional Facility for the offences.

When asked if he had anything to say, Darrell said: "I was trying to get a cup of coffee. If I upset anyone, I am sorry.'' Mr. Francis told Darrell: "You just cannot carry on like this in Hamilton, particularly Front Street. You have been before almost every magistrate in the past.''