prohibited weapons after two judges this month threw out cases involving knives.

Senior Magistrate Will Francis yesterday let a man who had an offensive weapon walk freely from court.

Frederick Trott, 34, of Deep Dale Road, Pembroke, was searched by Police under the Misuse of Drugs Act on January 7, outside Swinging Doors Bar on Court Street.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Anthony Mouchette told the court Police found a four-inch folding knife in a pouch attached to Trott's belt.

He told Police that it was for work, but admitted under further questioning that he had not worked for two weeks.

But yesterday he told Mr. Francis: "I had it for a hustle that I was able to get. Sometimes I have to cut rope or get out light switches.'' Sgt. Mouchette argued that Trott had been charged as a result of his original answers to Police.

However, Mr. Francis -- referring to similar cases in plea court this month which were dismissed -- said: "(Magistrate) Mr. (Edward) King is right. The burden of proof is on the prosecution.'' Mr. Francis therefore entered a not guilty plea and dismissed the charges against Trott.

Promise of review of weapons law Mr. Edness, expressing concerns about the dismissals, said: "The knives were not under our law prohibited weapons.'' "It certainly looks like a serious problem,'' he added. "Some quick action might save someone's life.'' Cabinet would have to look at the matter after discussions with the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edness explained. "We will have to look at the definition of a prohibited weapon, and alter the schedule of offences in the law,'' he said.

Mr. Edness said other weapons may have to be added to the criminal code list of prohibited arms. He said presently certain weapons -- such as a machete -- were not necessarily prohibited. It depended on the intent of a person carrying such an object.

"If someone is arrested with a machete and the person said he was going to do someone in, that classifies it as an offensive weapon.''