> I'm going to try and get an esta instead
Er, one of the first questions they ask you is to declare all instances where you have been arrested, let alone convicted.
I presume that you are saying that you intend to lie on the on-line application? I'd seriously advise you not to do that, and to accept the fact that you're NEVER going to get into the States legally unless by some massive miracle they change their entry requirements.
US immigration has toughened up beyond all recognition in the aftermath of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. Prior to that, any attempt to enter the States illegally would almost certainly have resulted in nothing more than having your passport stamped and being deported on the first available flight.
These days, an attempt to enter the States illegally is viewed as an extremely serious federal crime by what they call Homeland Security. There is a chance, of course, that lying on the ESTA application may not be spotted, but there is just as much of a chance that you'll be caught and end up in front of a judge.
Don't do it...