The prosecution case against a father-of-one accused of stashing more than $80,000 worth of drugs in a bedroom closet was a ?shambles?, a defence lawyer claimed yesterday.

Victoria Pearman told a jury at Supreme Court One that there could be only one true verdict ? that of not guilty ? in the case of Deon Eugene Bassett, who denies possession with intent to supply cocaine worth $81,895 and cannabis worth $1,975.

The 27-year-old, of Cambridge Road, Somerset, has also pleaded not guilty to possessing a set of scales used to weigh controlled drugs and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

During his trial he claimed that he was beaten and kicked by Police after they took him to an apartment in Cherry Dale Drive, Smith?s, and found two bags containing drugs in a bedroom closet, plus a set of scales.

The narcotics officers involved told the court that he ran away from the apartment after snatching a Police evidence bag and was injured during a violent struggle to restrain him.

Prosecutor Graveney Bannister told the jury not to concentrate on the ?red herrings and smokescreens? which he said emerged from the defendant?s evidence.

?The issue in this case is whether or not the accused, Deon Eugene Bassett, possessed controlled drugs with intent to supply. That?s the only issue in this case.?

He said the fact that Bassett cried after an officer retrieved one of the bags from the closet and showed him the contents was indicative of his guilt.

And he said the defendant did not make a complaint about Police brutality until a year and a quarter after the alleged assault, ?after he?s had time to make up a story that he was beaten?. ?All that the accused has said is a story. He is telling stories. He is lying. If you were beaten by the Police would you not complain??

But Miss Pearman said the Crown had not provided sufficient evidence to convict her client and that he did not have to prove his innocence. ?It would be a travesty for an innocent man to be convicted on this evidence or lack thereof,? she said. ?The prosecution case is a shambles.

?There must be serious doubt as to whether or not the prosecution has proved possession in the true sense of the word in respect of either plant material, cocaine or the scales.?

She said there had been no attempt to prove that the defendant was actually living at Cherry Dale Drive at the time of his arrest on November 9, 2004.

Bassett told the court he had not lived at the apartment ? which belonged to his great aunt and uncle ? for at least four months prior to the date.

Ms Pearman said: ?I didn?t hear anybody come up here and ask Mr. Bassett where he lived. There is no evidence to suggest to you that they asked where he lived and he lied about it.?

She said the jury might not like to think that Police officers had beaten Bassett but she added: ?You are the judges of the facts. If you find for the defence do not shy away from your responsibility and say so.?

The case continues today when the judge will sum up before the jury retires to consider its verdict.