from his motorbike and ran into Bernard Park.

Officers had chased 17-year-old Smith at high speeds through Hamilton before they grabbed him in the park.

In Magistrates' Court Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Duffy said last week that the defendant Smith could not stand unassisted when the officers finally caught him.

Smith was charged with stealing a Yamaha motorcycle worth $1,900, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, riding under age and having no insurance.

The bike belonged to Mr. Raymond Robinson, of Warwick, who had left it overnight, on Church Street in Hamilton on Saturday, February 13.

Insp. Duffy said: "The defendant forced open the bike's panel and circumvented the ignition system. He rode off on the cycle.

"He was seen by Police on Princess Street. They noticed that the headlight was not working. They followed him and tried to stop him using emergency equipment.

"He turned to see them and drove away faster onto Ewing Street and Dutton Avenue. He stopped and ran off into Bernard Park.

"The Police officers caught him within a short distance. They saw that his eyes were glazed and his speech slurred and that he could not stand unassisted. He refused to give a sample of breath.'' Damage to the bike's ignition system was estimated at $292.5.

Magistrate the Wor. John Judge banned Smith from driving for a year, but asked for a social inquiry report before making any penalties.

Mr. Judge asked the probation officer to look into whether community service would be a suitable penalty.

Smith was given bail in the sum of $500.