28-inch machete, and illegally staying on the Island.

Alivin Ricardo Hagigal, of New York, was accused in Magistrates Court of stealing $1,500 worth of property belonging to his uncle, Horase Paisly, of High Point Lane, Devonshire.

Hagigal, was also charged with unlawfully destroying property (a window) valued at $800.

Hagigal -- who is the father of a Bermudian child -- initially pleaded guilty to the offences and elected to have his case tried in Magistrates' Court.

But after speaking with duty counsel Mr. Rod Attride-Stirling, he changed his plea to not guilty.

Hagigal, originally born in Jamaica but an American citizen, was released on $2,500 bail with a like surety.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis told Hagigal that he had to report to Hamilton Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by noon.

And he ordered him to surrender all of his travel documents.

The case was held over for mention on October 6.