Popular entertainer Natural Black, whose given name is Mortimer Softley, got a little closer to reality on Tuesday when he was ordered to serve 120 hours of community service for behaving in a disorderly manner at the airport.

The deejay, who is known for hits such as Far From Reality, appeared before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court and pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly conduct, indecent language, resisting arrest and being armed with an offensive weapon.

The facts, as outlined in court documents, are that on March 13 at about 11:30 p.m., an officer on duty at the arrival area of the Norman Manley International Airport, saw and heard Softley behaving in a boisterous manner and loudly shouting:"Death to cricket! death to all who wear uniform!"

Ratchet knife found

When approached by the officers and cautioned about his conduct, he continued to shout repeatedly, saying, "death to police!" and using expletives. When the officers tried to restrain him, he resisted by pulling away.

They eventually got hold of him and escorted him to the Norman Manley Police Station. While there, he was searched and a ratchet knife was found in his pocket.

When cautioned, he reportedly said, "Officer, nuh tek it personal, a jus because u a part of di system."

Softley, who is of a Bedward Gardens address in St. Andrew, was strongly reprimanded by RM Pusey, who told him: "the airport is like our gate. If you saw people chanting at a gate, would you want to go in?" To this he replied: "It depends on what they're talking about your honour."

He was ordered to serve 40 hours community service on each of the first three charges and was fined $2,000 or 10 days for the offensive weapon.