Ellsworth (Ellie) Wilson will learn his fate next week after allegedly slashing a man with a knife at a gambling house in October 1999.

The incident arose when Wilson, convicted last year for shoving a drinking glass into a woman's face, had an argument with the complainant over a sandwich at the gambling house on Court Street.

The 57-year-old former Mount Hill resident stands accused of unlawful wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

After yesterday's trial, Magistrate Edward King commented: "I could decide this case now but the law says the Magistrate needs to give reasons.'' The two-day trial was highlighted by clashes between defence lawyer Larry Mussenden and Mr. King.

Crown counsel Graveney Bannister verbally accosted Wilson during cross-examination, calling him a "compulsive pathological liar''.

Throughout the trial, Mr. Mussenden's objections and requests for clarification were shot down by Mr. King, with comments like "what you think does not matter in this proceeding'', "you can take your disagreements elsewhere'' or a stern "sit down''.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bannister said: "The evidence says this (the wounding) was a unprovoked attack. The defendant admitted he was hungry and angry.

"It was not a matter of self-defence -- it was not justified by law. All of the defendant's actions were the result of rage after being refused a sandwich.'' The second charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place is in question because the gambling house is also a private residence.

Mr. Bannister said: "Legislation says a public place where a person has access either expressly or by implied permission.'' During closing remarks, Mr. King and Mr. Mussenden had another spirited exchange.

In contention was the exact location of the knife used in the incident. Mr.

King said: "You never put it to (the complainant) he had the knife at that time.

"You kept asking and saying `the knife you had' (to the complainant during cross examination).'' When Mr. King offered to read the court records, basically a Magistrate's notes because the courts do not have professional court recorders, Mr.

Mussenden declined.

Mr. King said: "Because you don't want the truth to come out.'' Mr. Mussenden said: "I don't even want to go there. I just want to make my submissions uninterrupted like my learned friend (Mr. Bannister).''