his safety.

The former political firebrand had been driven "paranoid'' by constant threats of violence.

But Police were alerted to his weapons' stash by the daughter he had fallen out with.

The revelations were made in Magistrates' Court yesterday by the former UBP/Independent MP's lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch.

He spoke after Viera admitted six weapons and ammunition charges, reversing earlier not guilty pleas.

Viera later laid bare to Magistrates' Court the full extent of his humiliation.

"Only God and my family know the agony, shame and embarrassment I have suffered every hour this month,'' he said.

He apologised to Bermuda, saying his misery should be a lesson to others.

"I deeply regret and profoundly apologise to the court and Police service. I can only hope to build on this tragedy and experience and to be a voice in the community to others that no matter what their fears, mine is not the road to take.'' The Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp will sentence the outspoken 58-year-old this morning.

Appealing for mercy, Mr. Dunch told Mrs. Mapp imprisonment would not be suitable.

Prosecutor Insp. Peter Duffy made no recommendation.

Mr. Dunch said Viera, who did not seek re-election this year as Southampton West MP, feared for his safety after enduring constant threats of violence.

"He chose to deal with a sense of paranoia in a manner which was clearly unbefitting. He stands here guilty of a gross error of judgment.'' He added: "This is clearly a tragic blemish on what has otherwise been a sterling and dedicated career in public service.'' But Mr. Dunch said Viera's shame was overshadowed by a yet deeper anguish.

"The ultimate tragedy is that all this arose as a consequence of his own daughter revealing to Police the existence of the weapons. That relationship has in the past been turbulent, and has now come to an end.

"I don't have any children myself -- but I can well imagine that if you're a parent estranged from your children, it must be enormously devastating.'' Earlier a string of VIPs painted the former Southampton West MP as a man who never pulled his punches, was fearless of criticism, fought for the little man, and championed the cause of women and children.

He was portrayed as a maverick whose political outlook was shaped by several violent periods in Bermuda's history -- including the '68 riots.

United Bermuda Party backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs said Viera had been repeatedly subjected to public and private threats of violence.

"It would be an understatement to say he is outspoken. He has engendered intense feelings of friendship and loyalty, as well as animosity and hostility.'' St. George's South MP Grace Bell, Opposition House Leader Mr. Reginald Burrows, dentist Dr. Stanley Ratteray, and Southampton West constituent Ms Jackie Zuill also testified on his behalf.

At the outset yesterday Viera, of Paget, reversed earlier not guilty pleas to owning weapons without licences.

He admitted possessing a .38 calibre, six-shot Smith and Wesson revolver with a six-inch barrel, and an electric stun gun on November 18.

The recently married father-of-two also pleaded guilty to possessing two canisters of "pepper defence'' spray, and 50 .38 calibre cartridges.

In addition, he admitted having a flare pistol and four cartridges.

Viera faces a separate May 23 hearing into an allegation he assaulted his daughter Kristina. He denies the offence.

Insp. Duffy said Police acting on a tip-off went to Viera's home in Salt Kettle Road, Paget, on November 18.

Viera initially admitted only having a flare gun.

But Police, with a search warrant, found in the hall closet a Smith and Wesson revolver, said Insp. Duffy.

They also discovered in the house the ammunition, stun gun, chemical spray, and a red parachute flare.

Viera was arrested, and told Police he bought the revolver in the United States in the late '60s, Insp. Duffy continued.

He said he had never used the weapon, or even threatened to do so.

It was purely for his protection as he had received threats over the years.

Insp. Duffy said Viera said he had acquired the ammunition in the US as well.

The signal flare and chemical spray had been bought over the last few years.

A Government analyser revealed the spray was the kind to inflict severe pain, said Insp. Duffy.

Mr. Dunch said Bermuda-born Viera had devoted his entire life to his Country.

He said his client had sacrificed much -- including money -- to serve the public.

Until now, he had an unblemished record and a good character.

Mr. Dunch said Viera was not in the best of health, and had suffered "through adversity and criticism''.

"With adversity comes a degree of paranoia for his personal safety, and well-being,'' he said.

Mr. Dunch said Mrs. Mapp should balance three things when considering sentence -- the requirements of society, and the circumstances of the offence and the offender.

"Society clearly views possession of firearms seriously. This Country has long held the view that possession of arms is something to be discouraged and that is the view you must take into account.

"No-one would expect this offence to be treated lightly.'' But Mr. Dunch said there was no evidence Viera owned the revolver and ammunition for a criminal purpose.

And he went on to cite several legal precedents suggesting imprisonment would be inappropriate.

All the while, his client, dressed in blue jacket, grey trousers, white shirt and dark grey tie, listened intently.

With spectacles dangling from one hand, he occasionally took notes on yellow sheets of paper.

Mr. Dunch said he had been startled by the show of support for Viera, who represented the UBP until 1989.

"It would be fair to say I have received countless dozens of offers by people prepared to speak on Mr. Viera's behalf, of his public duty and social conscience, and to show he is not violent by nature but always prepared to stand up for the little man and fight if need be.'' Mr. Dunch said Viera had lived through some of Bermuda's most "turbulent times'', including the 1968 riots.

These also included the lawlessness of 11 days in October 1970, and the 1977 riots -- a tumultuous period tarnished by the assassination of a Governor, aide-de-camp, and Police Commissioner The black beret movement was also at full strength during Viera's political career.

Said Mr. Dunch: "Throughout all this Viera actively campaigned for law and order and spoke with bravery, and without intimidation.

"He said things which the overwhelming majority of the public agree with.'' But Viera paid a price and his courage had taken a toll on him.

Mr. Dunch said Viera's revolver was found in a hall closet among junk and other paraphernalia.

It was not so accessible as to suggest Viera would resort to using it.

And he claimed the stun gun and mace had been intended for Viera's daughter in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dunch pointed out Viera would not have been charged over the flare gun if he had had a licence.

He urged Mrs. Mapp to find a middle path between the "lock him up and throw away the key'' approach and the "proverbial slap on the wrist''.

Dr. Stubbs described Viera as a "quite extraordinary person''.

"I was the first chairman of the UBP and soon recognised his keen intelligence and devotion to his country,'' he said. Dr. Stubbs, Paget East MP, recalled asking Viera to head a committee into the extent of racial integration, and propose ways of speeding the process up.

"At this moment in time the task seems much less formidable than it was in 1965.

"I am sure Harry will admit fulsomely there is still a long way to go to achieve the ideals he set for himself.'' Dr. Stubbs said Viera had suffered "multiple and serious fractures'' in a car accident.

It had left him with a limp, and the pain had increased.

He said Viera would eventually need a hip replacement operation.

Mrs. Bell told how Viera had helped the Women's Resource Centre.

She said Viera had campaigned tirelessly for a "get tough'' policy on those who committed violent crimes against women and children.

Dr. Ratteray said he could "empathise'' with Viera about the need for self-protection following the climate of fear in 1968.

But Dr. Ratteray added: "I just wish Mr. Viera had told me he had these guns.

I would have hoped I could have persuaded him: `Don't be so stupid.' '' In a letter to the court, Mr. Burrows pointed out how much Viera had already suffered for his crimes.

He said he had always found Viera to be "caring for persons in need''.

Mr. Burrows stressed he hoped justice would prevail. PHOTO Mr. Harry Viera.

Mr. Reginald Burrows.