A man convicted of fighting with Police during a drugs bust yesterday claimed the officers beat him with batons.

Corvin Ratteray, fined $2,200 after being convicted of seven offences, also said cannabis had been planted on him during the incident in November 1996.

Chief Justice Austin Ward is now writing his judgment after yesterday's Supreme Court appeal against conviction.

And Ratteray's lawyer Elizabeth Christopher told yesterday's hearing that arresting Police officers Shannon Wolffe and Shawn Field-Lament had wounded her client "with sticks''.

She said: "I don't submit my client to this court as any paragon of virtue.

However, he has a right to a fair trial and to have all the facts brought before the court to find out whether he is guilty or innocent.'' Ratteray was convicted of possessing cannabis, cannabis seeds and drug equipment.

The 28-year-old, from Colony Valley in Southampton, was also found guilty of wilful obstruction, violently resisting arrest, using threatening words and unlawful assault.

But Ms Christopher said the Police officers would not have been considered credible witnesses if the doctor's evidence had been admitted.

And she said: "All the convictions are founded upon the evidence of these two officers.'' She added: "They were asked repeatedly if they had sticks or weapons and they said no.'' Mr. Justice Ward said: "The appellant's evidence is that they beat him with Police batons?'' "Yes,'' added Ms Christopher.

But Crown counsel Lesley Basden said: "The medical evidence would not have assisted the magistrate in determining whether or not the drugs were planted on the appellant.

"And the magistrate said he had no reason to disbelieve the officers.''