called on the court to beef up its security and protection of abused women.

After watching in terror as her husband came at her with a long staff, Ms Gina Laverne Butler told The Royal Gazette she feared for her life.

And, she said, she was not sure about their three children's safety.

Ms Butler, who divorced her husband Roderick Carolton Butler Jr., 32, of Gilbert Road, Sandys, earlier this year, was scheduled to meet in chambers at 10 a.m. over an application to take their children on a trip. Permission of the husband is required by law.

As she waited with her sister, Ms Butler said her ex-husband began jeering her and shouting insults.

She said her sister -- who is a Police officer -- stood in front of her as Mr.

Butler approached them, threatening to take their lives and cursing at other Police officers.

At that time, Ms Butler said an officer dressed in plain clothes approached her husband who had a long staff, chisels, and a hammer.

As a result of this, a scuffle ensued, Ms Butler said.

The melee, which could be heard outside of Supreme Court number one, disrupted the trial of Charles Roger Richardson which was being held in the courtroom.

Lawyer Mr. Mark Pettingill -- a former lawyer for Mr. Butler -- got up from where he was sitting in the courtroom and went toward the door. He tried to open it but at first could only get it open about a foot, as someone appeared to be leaning against it. He pushed the door again and went outside.

A piece of wood fell onto the floor by the door and then Mr. Pettingill, who was shouting "calm down, calm down'', could be seen lying almost on top of Mr. Butler along with two Police officers who were restraining him.

Mr. Butler -- who was later arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station -- continued shouting and swearing at his ex-wife and then began crying.

As a result of this, Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Meerabux adjourned the Richardson trial and discharged the jury for ten minutes.

But Ms Butler questioned how her ex-husband -- who had threatened her life before -- could be allowed in the court building with such tools as a staff and a hammer.

Had it not been for the Police officers and others who restrained him, she said: "Both me and my sister would have been hurt''.

Ms Butler also expressed anger that her ex-husband was only given 200 hours of community services for breaking someone's ribs and was placed on probation for two years in March for punching and choking her.