from Immigration authorities so he can get his nationality straight.

Charges that Patrick Junior Edwards overstayed his time on the Island while a visitor and was working without permission were withdrawn by Crown counsel Peter Eccles.

Magistrate Edward King told Edwards: "I have struck your guilty plea and the Crown have withdrawn this information. You have not been found guilty or found not guilty.'' Smiling and throwing his hands in the air, Mr. King added: "Your matter has been discharged. You are free to go. Mr. Edwards, I don't even know why you are here.'' Mr. Edwards, 28, of the Canadian Hotel, Reid Street, was born here but taken to Jamaica when he was a young child.

He returned two years ago with a British Dependent Territory Citizenship (Bermuda) passport issued in 1970.

In December, Police prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor told Senior Magistrate Will Francis that Edwards is "British but he is stateless'' and did not have Bermuda status.

Sgt. Taylor added: "He is not malicious in any way. He is just a victim of circumstance.'' After Mr. Edwards left the courtroom, Mr. King said: "That is a practical demonstration (of the law).'' Last night chief immigration officer Martin Brewer said Edwards -- who has worked as a barber and cycle mechanic -- had been given permission to work until his Jamaican nationality is established.

He added: "The minister has granted the permission so that he can maintain himself.'' Regarding whether Mr. Edwards will get Bermuda Status, Dr. Brewer said: "That won't change.''