was used to repay a Pembroke man who lost $25,650 in a Supreme Court riddle.

A legal fight has since started in a bid for the interest on the sum to be repaid as well.

The cash is understood to have been used as evidence in the man's drug conspiracy trial in 1987.

Police had seized it after raiding his home -- but the Crown did not ask for it to be forfeited.

By law the money should have been returned to the defendant, Percy Louis Smith, at the end of the trial.

But the cash went missing from the Supreme Court precincts, The Royal Gazette has been told.

A Police investigation was launched, although the outcome is not known.

The money has been paid back to Smith -- who was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison -- out of the public purse.

His lawyer, Mr. Philip Perinchief is now suing for five years' interest on the cash to be paid.

"The interest amounts to around $10,000,'' he said.

"The missing money could have been invested, and it just doesn't seem right that no interest should be paid.'' A writ has been served against the Attorney General for the Crown to pay interest.

Mr. Clive Donald, Police Commissioner, has also been named because of a "supervisory duty of care to ensure that all monies were safe and secure.'' In addition, the Chief Justice Sir James Astwood and the Supreme Court Registrar, Mr. Kenneth Brown, are mentioned.

Mr. Perinchief expressed concern over the missing money, and the way repayment was made from public funds.

"I don't know whether it is right for taxpayers' money to be used in this way,'' he said.

"That is a political issue, and I believe the public should have some right to an explanation.'' Mr. Perinchief said he had no idea of the outcome of the Police investigation.

Mr. Walter Maddocks, the Attorney General, told The Royal Gazette he was totally unaware of the writ.

"I am not aware of one having been served, and very much in the dark about it all.'' Mr. Maddocks said he did know about a Police investigation, and that interim reports on it were made.

"I have no idea about any final report,'' he added.

Police Community and Media spokesperson Sgt. John Dale said the Commissioner "has no comment on the investigation or on any writ that might be taken out against him.''