court session after lawyer Ed Bailey and Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King, sparred in a war of words.

Just hours before the Bermuda Bar Council met to discuss matters such as the petition to have Mr. King removed from his post, emotions were running high and a few small sparks soon turned into a raging inferno.

It was the first matter in plea court and prosecutor Juan Wolfe was making submissions for bail restrictions for one defendant.

Mr. Wolfe suggested that the defendant report to the Police station three times weekly, but defence lawyer Mr. Bailey objected, and during his submissions said his client was a "born Bermudian''.

Mr. King heard the remark and appeared to take offence, telling Mr. Bailey that he was Bermudian and had a Bermudian passport.

Mr. Bailey replied that his client had a Bermudian birth certificate, and later said: "Some people are envious of that.'' The court room sat in stunned silence as Mr. King and Mr. Bailey then traded blows.

Mr. King remarked: "Sad, so sad,'' prompting Mr. Bailey to ask him to explain the remark.

Mr. King asserted his position as the person in charge of the courtroom and said he did not have to explain anything to Mr. Bailey.

Mr. Bailey protested: "But I'm a member of the Bar.'' Soon after, the argument escalated to a point that Mr. King had to rise for five minutes and leave the courtroom.

He returned and calmly said the defendant must report to the Police station twice a week and adjourned the matter for two weeks.