lurch when he failed to appear in court.

Instead, a relative of the defendant was forced to speak up on her niece's behalf.

Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Meerabux said Mr. Archibald Warner had effectively abandoned his client, Keitha Steede, whose trial was due to begin yesterday.

"His client deserves a fair trial. Counsel is flouting the court. This kind of conduct is disrespectful to the court and disrespectful to the legal profession,'' the judge admonished.

Mr. Warner failed to appear before the court yesterday to ask for an adjournment of Steede's trial.

Steede, 30, of Langton Lane, Pembroke, is accused of importation of cannabis.

Instead Mr. Warner sent a letter to the court saying he was unable to appear because the offices of Lord, Simmons & Warner were closed until January 4.

Mr. Justice Meerabux agreed to adjourn the matter but was ready to deny bail until Carol Binns, aunt of the accused, asked to speak.

"So far she has abided by all the rules. It is not fair to punish her just because her lawyer isn't available,'' Binns said.

Mr. Khamisi Tokumbo said he had no objection to an extension of bail which was granted until the matter reappears before Mr. Justice Meerabux on January 4.

Yesterday Mr. Warner was unavailable for comment.