A business and tourism student told gardai to "f**k off" and then said his name was John Smith when they asked him who he was.

Sieusiso Sijaji (21) was being a bit smart and foolish towards gardai and he "never thought it would all come to this", a court heard.

Judge Conal Gibbons ordered Sijaji to donate €300 to Temple Street Children's Hospital.

If the donation was made, said the judge, he would apply the Probation Act and leave Sijaji without a conviction.

The defendant, of Ballisk Court, Donabate, admitted threatening and abusive behaviour and giving a false name to gardai when he appeared before Swords District.

The incident took place at Balheary Road, Swords, shortly after 9am last April 6.

Gda Tal Elliott said he was on patrol in a car when a young man lunged out on to the road and began shouting.

Apologised

Gda Elliott said Sijaji shouted "f**king gardai" and when they called him back to speak to him he told them his name was John Smith, which the officer believed to be false.

Gardai subsequently discovered his real identity.

Gda Elliott said Sijaji was very aggressive and abusive towards officers and told him to "f**k off".

The court heard that Gda Elliott had since met Sijaji, who had apologised to him for his behaviour.

The defendant had never been in trouble before.

Defence lawyer Patrick Jackson said Sijaji reacted badly when gardai spoke to him.

Mr Jackson said Sijaji was born in South Africa but came to Ireland with his mother when he was five-years-old.

He said the defendant's mother knew about his court appearance and was "very angry and very embarrassed".

Mr Jackson said Sijaji's behaviour was foolish and he never thought he would end up in court over it.

He added that the defendant has been studying business and tourism in college.

Mr Jackson asked the judge to leave Sijaji without a con- viction as he was a young man with a bright future ahead of him.