serve an extra year in the Bermuda Regiment.

Vernell Eugene Smith, 22, of Khyber Pass, Warwick, was sentenced to three months prison, suspended for 18 months, after admitting missing 20 military parades during 1989 and 1990.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis had demanded a social inquiry report on Smith who had avoided many warrants for his arrest since appearing in court in 1990.

Defending, Miss Elizabeth Christopher called for a conditional discharge and stated that Smith could not be compelled to serve another year in the Regiment.

But Mr. Francis, speaking to the defendant, said: "You have expressed a willingness and from what I have seen it would be a good thing. It would have a good effect and you could learn a lot from the stability and training.'' Mr. Francis said that because the offence was serious he could not impose a non-custodial sentence like a conditional discharge.