Watching two Bermudian women ask him to drop charges against their boyfriends prompted Barbadian Magistrate Carlisle Greaves to declare "when I grow up I want a Bermudian woman" in court yesterday.

Perry Hayward's 34-year-old girlfriend, told Mr. Greaves on February 14 and yesterday she did not want him prosecuted for assaulting and threatening to kill her.

The 22 year old Curving Avenue, Pembroke man denies breaking her nose and threatening to kill her with a knife.

The woman's child was in the room when the alleged attack occurred, said prosecutor Wayne Caines.

At the first appearance, Hayward was given bail of $1,000 after the woman - sporting two black eyes - told the court then that she did not want to proceed because he was the sole provider in their household and they had just had a child together.

Mr. Greaves advised her to seek help from the Women's Resource Center and adjourned the case. Yesterday she maintained her position.

"I wish not to proceed," she said simply. When asked, she had not been to a counselling service but had made an appointment.

But Crown counsel Wayne Caines told Mr. Greaves: "The Director of Public Prosecutions feels strongly that while the complainant may not wish to proceed, the case should proceed in the public interest."

He added that another witness was willing to testify for the prosecution and he was confident of a successful prosecution.

Lawyer Arthur Hodgson, saying that he knew the couple, asked the magistrate not to rush to trial.

"It seems to be the complainant's settled intention not to proceed," he said. "It is gratifying to see the zeal with which the prosecution wishes to bring order to society."

But he argued that prosecution may not be the best decision in this case. He asked the court for an adjournment saying "it is exceedingly unusual to proceed without her cooperation".

Mr. Greaves set a trial date for June 11 and said perhaps a resolution would be found before then.

"A woman who takes lashes from a man and comes into court hugging him up, something is wrong with her too," Mr. Greaves said.

He advised the two to visit the Physical Abuse Center and get help "for you and your children".

Jeremiah Burrows, 31, of West Side Road, Sandys, faced charges of forging and cashing a cheque for $829.95 belonging to his former girlfriend Tina Ray.

Burrows pleaded guilty to three charges relating to the forgery which took place in December, but Ms Ray stood up to say that the money had been paid back and she did not wish to proceed.

It was then that an incredulous Mr. Greaves said: "When I grow up I want a Bermuda woman."

Mr. Caines, in arguing against a dismissal said that Burrows had used the money to purchase drugs.

But Mr. Greaves pointed out the complainant had no power to drop the charges but said he "will consider the fact that he paid the money back as mitigation".

Burrows later decided to change his plea to not guilty after taking advice from the duty counsel, a lawyer assigned to the court to give free advice.

But his claim that Ms Ray had given him permission to forge her signature prompted an angry outburst from Mr. Greaves who said that that could not possibly be a defence, and said he would remand him in custody until next month.

Burrows then switched back to a guilty plea which was resisted by Mr. Greaves, saying: "I admit what I have done. I am truly sorry."

Burrows had previous convictions including theft, assault and offensive behaviour. Mr. Greaves fined him a total of $750.