threatened to kill him, a court heard.

Andrew Phillips, who runs Dread and Baha Productions, alleged before Magistrate Ed King on Wednesday that threats had been made against his life by Rick Richardson, the BBC chief executive.

Mr. Phillips made the claims as he appeared in court on a summons for owing $6,000 to the BBC.

He also asserted that Mr. Richardson was trying to have him thrown out of his apartment and was trying ruin his business.

"This bill has a long running track, that the BBC has deliberately set up to destroy my organisation,'' he said. "It is not a real bill.

"In my last conversation with Rick Richardson he threatened to kill me, with witnesses. And he has banned me from the BBC with no clear reason.'' Mr. Phillips also claimed that efforts were being made to kick him out of his apartment -- a BBC property at Prospect -- because of his friends.

But Mr. King said the court appearance was only for him to say how he was going to pay the debt. He told Mr. Phillips that he should have answered the first summons if he wanted to have his say.

The debt totals $6,437.15 and he was ordered to pay $100 a month, commencing October 30 or face five days in prison.

Mr. Richardson said he had no comment when contacted by The Royal Gazette .