The trial of a man accused of stabbing a tourist in the back on Front Street last year may not go ahead until next spring.

Lorenzo Prince Robinson, 24, was charged with the attempted murder of American Scott Jable, who was shopping with his wife and infant son Cole during a family vacation in Bermuda on October 28 last year. Robinson pleaded not guilty to the crime in March.

His trial was due to begin yesterday however, both Crown counsel Juan Wolffe and Robinson's lawyer Elizabeth Christopher told Acting Justice Archibald Warner they were unable to proceed with the trial at that time.

When Ms Christopher said she believed the matter would not be ready to go to trial until early spring, Mr. Warner replied: "Spring? As in 2004? March or April? If that's acceptable to you that's acceptable to me too."

Robinson, who has been in custody for more than a year, was remanded once more for mention during the Supreme Court arraignments session on December 1.

The South Shore Road near John Smith's Bay, which was swept away by sea surges during Hurricane Fabian, has re-opened to one-way traffic.

The stretch of road was completely destroyed during the storm. The shoreline and all vegetation on the southern side were washed out to sea and the asphalt was torn up.

Works and Engineering crews have now partially replaced the road and one-way access is controlled by traffic lights.

The repairs began last month immediately after work finished on the Causeway.

The Ministry had set mid-November as its goal to make the road passable and staff said they are pleased to have reached their target.

Motorists are still advised to take alternative routes while work is being completed.

A Devonshire man was remanded into custody pending a psychiatric assessment after he fought with Police officers in Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Dwayne Devon Hayward, 24, of Northcliff Lane, was brought before Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves on breaking and entering charges.

He refused to enter a plea, so Mr. Greaves entered a plea of 'not guilty' for him and ordered him remanded to custody pending trial.

Hayward was also charged with possessing offensive weapons ? a stick and a knife. He pleaded guilty to those offences but as Crown counsel Shakira Dill was reading the summary of facts and Mr. Greaves was considering punishment, Hayward began to walk out of the courtroom.

He was quickly stopped by officers who forced him back to his position before the Magistrate.

"You think you could take that big man?" asked Mr. Greaves, indicating the Police officer.

Hayward asserted that he could, and then swore at the Magistrate.

As he struggled the Police officer gripped him again and forced his head down on to the bench, causing one spectator to cry out, "He's choking him, your Honour!"

Mr. Greaves immediately remanded Hayward pending a psychiatric assessment and he was escorted from the courtroom.

Police reported this week that thieves are stealing motorcycles and holding them for ransom.

Police have advised the public not to negotiate with criminals in an attempt to get their motorcycles returned in the event they are stolen.

They are asking for anyone who has information about this new pattern of motorcycle theft to contact them at 295-0011.

A 30-year-old man, operating a powerboat, was arrested for suspicion of driving while impaired after striking a visiting yacht on Sunday night in Convict Bay, St. George's.

The powerboat was caught in the yacht's mooring lines but both boats sustained little damage.

The passenger in the powerboat was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after being found unconscious on the deck of the boat.

His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

A thief gained entry to a Lagoon Drive, Paget, home while the complainants were in another part of the house on Sunday.

Some time between 8.30 and 9.30 p.m. the culprit stole a black leather wallet containing $200 and other personal items, as well as a black pouch with $110 inside.

Police are investigating the incident.