weapons and ammunition charges.

The 60-year-old was also charged with assaulting his daughter, Kristina.

Viera stood before Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp in a tweed jacket, blue trousers, white shirt, and dark green patterned tie.

His American wife, Patricia, whom he has just married, and his sister sat at the back of the court.

Viera remained expressionless as the charges were read out to him, pleading not guilty to each one.

Mrs. Mapp said he was charged with assaulting Kristina Viera on November 15 in Paget.

A trial to deal with this allegation was fixed for May 23, and Viera was granted $300 bail.

Viera, of Paget, was also charged with possessing a .38 calibre, six-shot Smith and Wesson revolver with a six-inch barrel, and an electric stun gun.

Both offences allegedly occurred on November 18.

He was accused as well with possessing two canisters of "pepper defence'' spray, and 50 .38 calibre cartridges.

In addition, he was charged with having a flare pistol and four cartridges.

Viera's lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch said he "anticipated a certain course'' of action at the next hearing into these five allegations.

He told Mrs. Mapp he planned calling on five character witnesses -- including prominent members of the community.

"I am anxious to get the matter dealt with before Christmas,'' he added.

Mr. Dunch said Viera did not present a danger, and should be released on bail.

Mrs. Mapp adjourned the hearing into the weapons and ammunition charges until Monday.

She granted Viera $1,000 bail.

Viera ran the gauntlet of Press photographers and journalists as he left court.

This year Viera did not seek re-election as Southampton West's representative in the House of Assembly.

He had been the constituency's MP since 1968. Until 1989 he represented the United Bermuda Party.

Viera, known as a political firebrand, split from the UBP in disgust at Governor Sir Desmond Langley's decision to commute murderer Troy Shorter's death sentence.

Shorter, who was given life imprisonment instead, had shot dead a store boss.

GRIM-FACED -- Former MP Harry Viera (centre), with his wife Patricia at his side, leaves Magistrates' Court with lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch. Behind them is Mr.

Viera's sister.