Court trial to drag on for over two years.

The Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp reacted with exasperation last week to a request by defence lawyer Mr. Archibald Warner to adjourn the case of Carlton Smith.

"The courts are always being criticised by counsel and everyone else and you would be the first to complain if your client was not getting swift justice,'' Ms Mapp said.

"This is not satisfactory. The man deserves to have a trial earlier than two and a half years after he has been charged. It's really ridiculous.'' Smith, 30, of Morgan's Road, Warwick was charged in 1991 with possession of methadone with intent to supply.

Mr. Warner requested an adjournment to obtain documents from the Bermuda Monetary Authority but said he would not be available to appear again until June.

But Ms Mapp told the lawyer to find an earlier date.

"I don't think he (Smith) should have to wait until it's convenient to counsel and convenient to witnesses. It has got beyond that point,'' she told them. "Anybody who is still waiting around since 1991 is hard done by. If some people don't mind, that's wrong.'' She told the defendant: "Mr. Smith, you must be sick and tired of coming back here.'' Trial has been reset for March 7.