Accusations flew thick and fast in Magistrates? Court last week ? in a heated argument between two lawyers.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines turned up to prosecute in the trial of Everett Jahni Bean, who faces assault and weapons charges. And when he discovered that Bean?s attorney, Ed Bailey, had earlier notified the court that he would be unable to attend the afternoon?s proceedings, he insisted that the case go ahead anyway.

He pointed out that the case had gone before the courts on four previous occasions but had had to be adjourned because Mr. Bailey was representing another client in a Supreme Court murder trial. Mr. Caines said: ?He (Mr. Bailey) is showing disrespect to these courts. The Crown asks that you put the charges to him (Bean).?

Mr. Caines said he was ready to go ahead with the trial and that all the Crown?s witnesses were present in court, including Police and dog wardens.

Magistrate Will Francis adjourned the trial for an hour so Mr. Bailey could be summoned. When he appeared, the defence lawyer said: ?I am handicapped because I don?t have the file with me. I ask the court to further adjourn the trial.?

Mr. Bailey requested a mention date but Mr. Caines reminded the court of the numerous court appearances for the case ? and the importance of moving ahead with the trial.

But Mr. Bailey replied: ?I cannot do two people and be in two places at once. I do not like the suggestion that I have been playing with the courts. I have been in them for 23 years. I do not see the reason for these theatrics.?

Bean, 21, of Jones Lane, Warwick had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of a samurai sword in a public place and obstructing the duties of dog warden Fabian Minors. But he denied assaulting Mr. Minors and obstructing the duties of dog warden Jeffery Benevides. Mr. Caines told the Court: ?The Crown wishes to proceed with the two guilty pleas. This afternoon Mr. Bailey sent a letter to the Court requesting adjournment but failed to notify the Crown.?

Mr. Francis adjourned the case for mention today.