A lawyer who met his client just seven minutes before his sentencing managed to convince Acting Justice Philip Storr against a two-year sentence in Supreme Court last Wednesday.

The sentencing, due to start at 2.30 p.m., was delayed until 2.45 p.m. as lawyer Edward Bailey rushed to get to court after first receiving notice he was expected on his lunch hour.

Apologising to the court, he said: "I understand legal aid are having problems getting attorneys."

The defendant, 24-year-old Saje Ameill Nearon, formerly of Pembroke but currently at Westgate, had appeared in court on February 21 of this year for sentencing.

However he was without legal representation, having applied for legal aid just at the time when a small band of defence lawyers led by Mark Pettingill elected to boycott legal aid until their fees were raised.

Nearon's sentencing was therefore delayed until he could find a lawyer - which he somehow did without Mr. Bailey's knowledge.

"I just got to know Mr. Nearon exactly seven minutes ago," Mr. Bailey told the court as the sentencing began.

He later told The Royal Gazette: "As an officer of the court, although I agree with my colleagues (such as Mark Pettingill) that the rate for legal aid work is far too low, I don't think the individual should suffer and be denied the benefit of legal representation.

"First and foremost my duty is ... to the client, regardless of the circumstances," he said.

Although Crown counsel Anthony Blackman asked for a two-year sentence for Nearon, Mr. Bailey managed to argue that down to 15 months.