The Royal Gazette erroneously reported in yesterday's (October 6) edition that Ian L. Whitter was charged in Magistrates' Court with unlawful assault of his girlfriend Wilma Simmons.

The article should have read that Whitter was accused of assaulting Wilmont Simmons. The Royal Gazette apologises for the mistake.

Three men appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday on unlawful assault charges.

Twenty-six-year-old Desai M. Jones, of Douglas Close, Devonshire, pleaded not guilty to the assault of his girlfriend Nadani Ebbin.

He was released on $800 bail and ordered not to have contact with the complainant.

But upon hearing the ruling, he replied: "I just received a phone call from my girlfriend.'' He explained to the court: "It was just a misunderstanding. I'm involved with my baby's mother. How can I be restricted, your Honour?'' Magistrate Archibald Warner explained that the no-contact clause meant non-interference with the complainant.

He ordered Jones to return to court on February 8, next year for trial.

Eugene K. Smith, 31, of Cook's Hill Road, Sandys Parish, was also accused of assaulting his girlfriend Bridgett Gilbert. He also pleaded not guilty.

He was also released on $800 bail and ordered not to have contact with the complainant. Smith will return to court on February 4, next year for his trial.

Thirty-eight-year-old Ian L. Whitter, of Loyal Hill, Devonshire, was also accused of battering his girlfriend Wilma Simmons.

He also pleaded not guilty and was released on $800 bail with the condition that he have no contact with the complainant.

He will return to court on March 2, next year for trial because he will be off the Island until that time.

CAUGHT IN EXCLUSION ZONE CTS Caught in exclusion zone A Pembroke man yesterday learned that possessing a small amount of cannabis can be expensive.

Nineteen-year-old Shay Seymour, of Fentons Drive, admitted in Magistrates' Court to possession of cannabis.

Police stopped Seymour on June 6 by Admiralty House Park. He was riding a black cycle A046. A search revealed a manila envelope in his back left pocket.

Junior Crown counsel Veronica Daley told the court Seymour said: "I just want to relax.'' Analysis showed the envelope contained approximately .70 grammes of cannabis, Ms Daley said.

Magistrate Archibald Warner ordered Seymour to pay a $1,800 fine because Seymour was apprehended at Admiralty House Park, a drug exclusion zone.

TEEN TOOK IMPOUNDED BIKE CTS Teen took impounded bike A teenager received a 12-month conditional discharge and fines totalling $1,500 in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Ericson Hill, 17, of Woodlawn Road, Sandys Parish, pleaded guilty to taking an impounded cycle from Police property without permission on February 20.

Hill also admitted to stealing two Police documents.

Junior Crown counsel Veronica Daley stated that at 2:45 p.m. on that date, Police went to the corner of Church and King streets where they apprehended Hill and retrieved the cycle.

Although he admitted to the offences, Hill maintained his innocence yesterday by stating: "The day before, the officer said I could collect the bike.'' Magistrate Archibald Warner then asked him what he saw on the documents.

"I saw `release to owner', your Honour,'' Hill said. "I don't know the procedures, your Honour. I thought it was finished.'' When asked if he still had the Police documents, Hill said he had thrown them away.

Mr. Warner imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for the offences.

Hill also pleaded guilty to two counts of riding while disqualified by age and two counts of riding an unlicensed cycle.

Mr. Warner imposed fines of $500 each for riding while disqualified and $250 each for riding an unlicensed cycle.

Additional charges of riding an uninsured cycle were dropped when it was found that the bike was insured in a relative's name.

MAN FINED $800 FOR WEED CTS Man fined $800 for weed Possessing cannabis cost an 18-year-old Devonshire man $800 in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Steven Thompson, of Alexandra Road, pleaded guilty to possessing 8.20 grammes of cannabis.

The court heard Thompson was stopped by Police on Court Street on January 29 because he was riding a motorcycle with two female passengers -- one of whom was not wearing a helmet.

Junior Crown counsel Veronica Daley told the court that Thompson said: "Why did you stop me!'' Police became suspicious when he began to talk and fidget with his clothes.

When officers attempted to search Thompson, he shoved his hand in his pocket to obstruct the search.

Later, when taken to Hamilton Police Station, Thompson was searched and a clear plastic bag containing seven manila envelopes was found. Analysis showed the envelopes contained approximately 8.20 grams of cannabis, Mrs. Daley said.