begin later this week.

Orlando Outerbridge 24, son of Bishop Vernon Outerbridge, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer.

He also denies the aggravated assault of his girlfriend, Pauline Burgess.

His trial at Brevard Circuit Court, Florida, will begin later this week or early next week. Assistant State Attorney David Arthur will prosecute.

If he is convicted, he could face a total of ten years in jail for the alleged offences.

Last year, Outerbridge was shot four times by Florida Police after an alleged argument with his girlfriend.

Officers in the city of Melbourne said he was armed with a knife when they were called to an incident last November.

Police claim he lunged at one of the Policemen, who opened fire, wounding Outerbridge in the shoulder, back, right arm and chest.

An investigation was launched into the incident and the officer who fired the shots, Patrolman Vince Esposito, was given leave from duty.

Outerbridge -- who lives in Florida -- was later released from hospital and taken to jail.

Earlier this year, he appeared before Judge Tonya Rainwater and pleaded not guilty to assault.

Outerbridge had been in Brevard County Jail for almost a year, awaiting trial.

TUMBS DOWN TO FAST FOOD FRANCHISES EAT Thumbs down to fast food franchises The majority of North American travel agents who answered a recent phone survey on the question of fast food franchises for Bermuda are against the idea.

Bermuda Dateline which conducted the survey, reports that 100 travel agents were surveyed and 74 percent said that the relaxation of Bermuda's current laws against fast food franchises was not good for the Island.

In the magazine, which Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen edits and publishes, the respondents were asked the following question: "The Bermuda Government is currently reviewing its policy that limits fast food franchises on the Island. Do you feel that the introduction of MacDonald's into Bermuda would affect its image as a vacation resort?'' Seventy four percent of the travel agents said fast food franchises would have an unfavourable effect on Bermuda's image as a vacation destination.

Only 13 percent responded that the relaxation of the rules which limit fast food franchises, would make no difference while another 13 percent viewed it as favourable.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell could not be reached for comment yesterday.

POWER BOAT FOUND SUNK POL Power boat found sunk Marine Police have started an inquiry after a power boat was found sunk in the Hinson's Bay area over the weekend.

The vessel's stern was down and its bow was up, said a Police spokeswoman.

She added: "The boat's fuel tank was floating on the surface and retrieved.''