confiscated handgun back.

David Levon Shagirian's lawyer Mr. Jeffrey Elkinson told Magistrates' Court: "My client is happy to let the Bermuda Police Force make whatever use of it they wish -- I might add, the San Francisco Police Department got a helicopter.'' Shagirian, 36, who was arrested at the Airport last Sunday for gun importation and thrown into a Police cell, chose not to make a second trip to plea court to attend the hearing.

Accepting Mr. Elkinson's application on behalf of Shagirian, Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said he trusted the millionaire was happy to buy another gun when he returned to California.

He was fined $2,000 on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to importing a Glock semi-automatic handgun and a magazine with 15 rounds of ammunition.

When Shagirian asked for his expensive gun back, the prosecution and Mr.

Francis objected, adjourning the matter for hearing to yesterday.

Unaware of Bermuda's strict gun laws, the businessman came here to look at the US base as a possible site for a diamond processing plant, the court heard.

Mr. Elkinson had said his wealthy client carried the gun for protection -- he often transported valuable diamonds.

He produced a letter from the San Francisco City Commissioner in an effort to prove his client's "upstanding character''.

The Commissioner said he was a highly respected businessman in the city and had donated a helicopter to the Police.