charge of beating his girlfriend.

The 23-year-old Devonshire man had just pleaded guilty to unlawful assault causing bodily harm when his girlfriend rose to say, "I'd like to withdraw the charge''.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Ken James looked to Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis and said he didn't know how to react to the woman's request given the accused had already pleaded guilty.

Mr. Francis shuffled his papers and then asked the defendant if he was sure he understood the charge. "No sir,'' the man said after an onlooker leaned next to him and whispered.

Mr. Francis read the charge again and the man pleaded not guilty.

He then asked the woman if she wanted to withdraw the charge and the woman said yes. Sgt. James rose to say the Police would offer no evidence. "Case dismissed,'' Mr. Francis said.