were dropped for lack of evidence.

Verna Lee Walker 34, of Kitty's Drive, Hamilton Parish, breathed a sigh of relief after the jury, acting on directions from Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs.

Justice Wade, returned not guilty verdicts on charges that she possessed and handled over $32,000 worth of cocaine with intent to supply.

However, Mrs. Justice Wade ruled the prosecution had enough evidence to continue its case against her ex-boyfriend Barry Stanley Wellman, 38, of Cook's Hill, Sandys Parish.

Wellman, who testified for almost four hours yesterday, said he had returned to Walker's apartment around 8 p.m. on December 27, 1992 after having dinner at his mother's house.

He admitted he was the last person to drive Walker's car before the drugs were found. However, he steadfastly denied the Crown's suggestions that he was driving the car around 1 a.m. on December 28, as prosecution witness Eugene Raynor had testified.

He said that he later called Raynor on the advice of his lawyer. "I told Mr.

Raynor that on the night in question (December 28) that I was at home and he could not have seen me that night. I also told him he made an honest mistake and if he felt he made an honest mistake he should tell the Police that.'' But Crown counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly said: "I'm putting it to you that Mr.

Raynor made no mistake. He did see you that night on Shelly Bay stretch.'' Mr.

Doorly then questioned Wellman about the money found in his pocket and in a black bag near the couch.

Wellman said the $5,500 was from his MCM leather goods shop, though he was unable to tell the court what his total recipts were for the month or why his receipt book only showed sales of $940.

He said the $650 found in his pocket was part of his winnings from betting on horses though he was unable to prove this.

The trial continues today.