Government MP Nelson Bascome has been charged with theft and corruption in what Premier Ewart Brown has labelled a "human tragedy".

Mr. Bascome, 51, was arrested on Thursday after a Police investigation that saw him step down as Minister of Health earlier this year.

Police have refused to comment on the situation. However, this newspaper understands the charges relate to Mr. Bascome's business dealings.

He will appear at Magistrates' Court at a later date, and declined invitations to comment last night.

However, Dr. Brown issued a statement that said: "This is a deeply regrettable development and a human tragedy. We must allow the law to take its course. However, we must not forget he is innocent unless guilt is determined by the courts. Every accused person is entitled to that."

Mr. Bascome, a counsellor at the Focus drug treatment centre, stepped down from Government in February when a file was passed by the Police to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

He said at the time that Dr. Brown had granted him a leave of absence and called for the investigation to be concluded quickly "so I can put it behind me and resume my act of service for the people of Bermuda as a Minister of this Government".

Dr. Brown declined to comment last night on whether Mr. Bascome is still considered to be on leave of absence from his Cabinet post, which is currently being handled by Philip Perinchief in addition to his role as Attorney General.