three months in jail when he appeared in Magistrates' Court.

Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King heard how Najib Muhammad, 20, of Spanish Point, failed to appear for military duty at the Bermuda Regiment for 15 occasions between February and June.

Muhammad said he had a series of ailments and injuries that prevented him from attending his regimental duties.

"I was sick in hospital,'' he said. "I was told to stay off my leg because I was bitten up bad and I also had the flu two weeks ago.'' Mr. King questioned if Muhammad had documentation to back up his excuses and his absences.

"I didn't have any doctors' certificates because I didn't have any insurance,'' he said.

Mr. King also heard information from Bermuda Regiment's Adjutant Major Edward Lamb that Muhammad had not only failed to produce the documentation, but that Muhammad was given a second chance for missing previous military duties from last year.

Mr. King interjected: "You had the flu then, too? How can you become a corporal when you don't attend drills? You have to be a good buck private before you'll be considered for promotion.

"I heard you and I heard Major Lamb. I'm not impressed with your reason for non attendance. I'm going to put you in a prison.

"The first time you slip up, they're going to bring you back and if you come back before me you are going up.'' Mr. King imposed a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.