a business partner for land, building materials and back rent.

In the dispute, Arnold Todd, Jr. -- a former Bank of Bermuda senior loan officer -- denies owing Fredrick Hendrickson money stemming from a deal over property at Town Hill, Flatts, Smith's Parish.

Yesterday Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux heard closing arguments from lawyer Michael Scott representing Todd, and Mr. Hendrickson's lawyer Kieron Unwin.

Mr. Scott said that four years passed after Mr. Hendrickson received a $200,000 payment and he accused Mr. Todd of not paying the money.

He added: "He cast his net wide and flings it beyond Delmont Talbot and Darren Woods, who he had direct dealings with, and lets it land on Mr. Todd.'' "Is this a man who is being truthfull to the courts? He discovered a horrifying story with his accounts and looked around and found the one most vulnerable.'' Mr. Scott concluded: "A plaintiff who asserts a claim must prove it. He did not prove a connection with Mr. Todd.'' Mr. Unwin said that much of his client's evidence was not challenged, particularly a ledger from F.L Enterprises made by Mr. Todd's sister.

He added: "When pressed as to which account the payment of $200,000 came out of, the defendant refused to answer, saying merely that he possessed a receipt whereby the plaintiff was paid in full.'' Mr. Unwin said Mr. Todd's defence had "hopeless inconsistencies'' and his answer's were "pure evasion''.

"Mr. Todd could not even recognise his own sister's handwriting,'' he added.

Late yesterday, Mr. Justice Meerabux reserved judgement in the case.