vowing to kill his wife when he is eventually released.

Ivan Vance Fubler, of Aubrey Estate Road, had unpaid fines totalling $1,550, some dating back to 1995, the court heard.

"I've got a story behind that,'' the 43-year-old man kept repeating as Magistrate Ed King detailed the fines.

Mr. Fubler told the magistrate that he accepted final responsibility for the fines but said that he had been giving his wife money to pay them. Instead she emptied their joint account leaving him just $5 he claimed.

"I expect my wife to work with me -- the damn woman has been working against me,'' said Mr. Fubler angrily.

He added that she had then taken out a restraining order against him.

"I work six days a week, seven nights... I've got a restraining order, fines ain't paid and five dollars in the bank.'' Mr. King told the man a story similar to the man's circumstances in which a man "put an end'' to his own brother.

"It's enough to bring a man to do that,'' said Mr. Fubler.

But Mr. King cautioned him against reacting with violence.

The magistrate later attempted to calm him down, saying "Let's take a deep breath. We understand.'' But, continued Mr. Fubler, "There's got to be some justice here. All I do is go from home to work 11 hours a day, six days a week and seven nights...'' Duty counsel Arnold Todd Jr. told the magistrate that, in addition to the man's own comments, some consideration should be given to the fact that the man was gainfully self-employed and could pay the fines given time.

"The magistrate has a most difficult job,'' said Mr. King.

"Anytime a magistrate sits here and hears a story and starts to cry he should get up and go... Much as I appreciate what the gentleman is saying I have to make an order -- he and the wife will work it out between them.'' He then ordered him to pay $1,550 immediately or spend 180 days in prison.

"I'll do the six months. Watch me when I come back,'' Mr. Fubler said.

I'll be back in this court. I'm gonna hurt her. Watch me -- this is just not right.'' As he left the courtroom he said loudly "I'm gonna kill her.''