A man charged with receiving more than $42,000 worth of cannabis yesterday accused two Police narcotics officers of assaulting him at Police Headquarters.

Michael Martino (Tricks) Richardson, 32, claimed in his Supreme Court trial yesterday that Det. Sgt. Stevie Lightbourne threatened to break his neck.

Richardson, of Northlands Lane, Pembroke denies possession of cannabis with intent to supply. It is alleged that he collected a VCR containing $42,000 worth of the drug from Federal Express.

The former Policeman said that when he was arrested on July 7 last year he was taken to the Narcotics Division in Prospect, Devonshire.

There Det. Sgt. Lightbourne punched him nine or ten times, kicked him five times and attempted to choke him in a small interview room, he claimed.

"He attempted to strangle me,'' Richardson said. "He put his knees on my chest and put both arms around my neck. He told me he was going to break my f**** neck. He never punched me in the face. All his blows were around my legs and chest. But one of his blows landed in my private parts.'' Richardson said Det. Con. Alex Severin also assaulted him.

Crown Counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly asked Richardson why he never filed a complaint, took pictures of his bruises or saw a doctor especially since he knew he would be testifying in court, adding: "I respectfully submit that was because it never happened.'' "It did happen,'' said Richardson. "At the time I intended to get him back.

I was going to beat him up. One on one. Sgt. Lightbourne is only tough when he has other officers with him. He is really just a pussycat. I told my lawyer (what I intended to do) and he said it was nonsense.'' Mr. Doorly then asked Richardson why he did not mention the assault when he was making his statement since as a former Police officer he was familiar with Police procedures.

"I never complained to Police because when Police investigate their own personnel 97 percent of the time nothing happens,'' he said.

Mr. Doorly asked Richardson why he signed the Federal Express delivery slip using a false name.

"Why did you sign the slip with the name Richard Zuill? That's not your name.'' "The delivery man (Gavin Kennedy) asked me if I was Zuill, that's why I signed it like that. It was a dishonest act,'' Richardson said.

"You say that you were picking up this package for a George Spencer. It was supposed to be for his mother. Did you not find it strange that it did not have her name on it?'' asked Mr. Doorly.

"Yes I found it suspicious,'' Richardson said. "But I made no inquiries.'' In his 45-minute summation, Mr. Archie Warner, representing Richardson, told the jury it had to be convinced his client knew, suspected or had reason to suspect there were drugs in the package.

The jury is expected to begin its deliberations today.