AN 18-year-old man who told police he was tennis star Pete Sampras when they threatened to arrest him, apologised in court for his behaviour.
Samuel Ayling of Hemel Hempstead was challenged by officers who saw him drunk and staggering through traffic on the ring road in Watford town centre. He had blood on his clothes.
When they asked if he was hurt, he swore at them.
He told them his name was Pete Sampras after they warned him about his bad language.
The officers said he would be put in prison if he continued to be abusive. Ayling challenged them to try and said: "Go on then," before swearing again.
He was arrested, and appeared before Watford magistrates on Friday, December 14.
The self-employed man told the court he had been drunk because of family problems.
"I apologise for the way I acted. I work hard for the money I earn, I'm not of that nature."
He admitted to being drunk and disorderly and was fined £50 and ordered to pay £55 costs.
December 15, 2001 17:00
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