The Bar Association has voted to urge Chief Justice Austin Ward to sanction maverick magistrate Edward King.

The lawyers' body claim Mr. King is rude to both lawyers and the public.

But the motion has been watered down from an earlier move to encourage Mr.

Ward to urge Mr. King's sacking.

One defence lawyer told The Royal Gazette last night: "There were about 60 lawyers there at the meeting and there was overwhelming support to put this forward to the Chief Justice.

"The vote speaks for itself.

"The majority of lawyers are concerned about his behaviour and how he treats people -- the lawyers and the other people in the court -- and we want something to be done about it.'' In 1999 Mr. Justice Ward met with Mr. King after Acting DPP William Pearce had demanded disciplinary action after prosecutor Larry Mussenden had ended up in custody following a row with the fiery magistrate.

Mr. King called Mr. Mussenden "a coward' during the exchange.

On that occasion Mr. Justice Ward recommended no action be taken against Mr.

King.

Last night The Royal Gazette's source, who wished to remain anonymous, said this time the whole weight of the Bar Association was pushing for disciplinary measures.

He said: "Last time there wasn't a vote by the Bar.

"This time I expect the Chief Justice will do something about it. I hope he will respect the position of the Bar and feel obliged to do something about it.

"This is a grave situation. And this decision has been taken by the Bar Association for grave reasons.'' Last month lawyers listed 15 complaints against Mr. King.

They allege Mr. King refuses to make a proper record of proceedings, obstructs lawyers trying to carry out their legitimate duty, encourages clients to bypass lawyers, insults and shouts at defence lawyers and makes insensitive remarks to the public.

The legal source said: "I hope Mr. King just gracefully retires to go about his business.'' However Mr. King has at least one supporter. Last month one lawyer told The Royal Gazette that Mr. King was "atypical'' but delivered sound judgments.

And he claimed some of the lawyers calling for Mr. King's head had never appeared before him in Magistrate's court.