An enraged Mr. Frederick Wade branded "rubbish'' his claims about the Harry Viera case.

The lawyer, who represented Mr. Viera, had alleged: PLP MPs had talked their leader out of standing as a character witness for Mr.

Viera; and Mr. Wade apparently owed a "considerable debt of gratitude to Mr. Viera in terms of assistance Mr. Viera has rendered him personally in the past''.

Mr. Dunch was reacting to the outcry over last month's $4,000 fine meted out in Magistrates' Court on Mr. Viera for five firearms offences.

But yesterday Mr. Wade lashed back, saying there was no truth in the allegations. He said Government backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs had asked him to be a character witness for Mr. Viera.

"I told him I would think about it,'' said Mr. Wade.

But he added he later discovered the former Independent/UBP MP was also charged with assaulting his daughter. That was why he decided against testifying on Mr. Viera's behalf.

"Neither Dr. Stubbs nor Mr. Viera told me about the assault charge.'' Mr. Wade sought to shoot down the second of Mr. Dunch's claims.

"Mr. Viera has never rendered me any personal assistance in the past in any shape or form -- not property, money or shares.'' Mr. Wade agreed, however, Mr. Viera had helped him politically. The former MP had provided information about the United Bermuda Party -- although nothing that was a "great secret''.

Mr. Wade went on to defend his criticism of the way the Viera case was dealt with. He said the Prosecution should have been handled by a Crown Counsel, not a Policeman.

Meanwhile yesterday, Mr. Dunch's defence of the fine and handling of the case won backing from lawyer Mrs. Keren Lomas. Mrs. Lomas said the sentence fell in line with legal precedents.

"A distinction has to be drawn between first-time offenders and other offenders with long criminal records.''