marathon land ownership row.

Lawyer Mr. Phil Perinchief said the Appeal Court had already ruled on the issue, siding with his clients.

And this week he said it would be "vexatious, scandalous and an abuse of the process'' for further legal wrangling.

The row centres on a five-and-a-half acre site at Mill Creek, Pembroke.

Mr. Perinchief represents Mr. Henry Correia, his son Mr. William Correia and their relative Ms Deborah Smith.

They claim they have lived on the land rent-free for at least 20 years, giving them right to the property.

Opposing them are trustees of the estate of the late Mr. William Chiappa, who claimed ownership to the site.

In 1980, they tried to evict eight "squatters'', including the Correias and Ms Smith.

The Supreme Court granted possession to the trustees, telling the "squatters'' to leave the land and demolish their homes.

But in 1982 this ruling was overturned by the Appeal Court.

On Monday the two sides took up their weapons again -- this time before Supreme Court judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ground.

This preliminary hearing -- which ended this week -- was held to see whether a full trial should be held into who owns the land.

The alleged squatters don't want a trial.

Mr. Ground pledged to give his judgment at a later date.

The fight has gained intensity following claims Government wants to compulsorily purchase the land to extend a park.

Owners of the land would get the proceeds from such a sale.

This week Mr. Edward King, who represents the trustees, wrapped up his arguments.

He said the "squatters'' only occupied a quarter of the land under dispute.

And this would be the most they could be entitled to.

"It can't be equitable that the court make an order which will enable them to take possession of all of the land.'' Mr. King urged Mr. Ground to make decision which was "just and equitable''.

BERMUDA TIMES SUED UNK CTS RG P5 5.5.1994 The Bermuda Times is being sued for more than $70,000 The Royal Gazette has learned.

A writ filed in the Supreme Court revealed that Mr. Dilton Robinson is suing the paper for $73,523.21.

Though unwilling to divulge any details of the pending action, Robinson's lawyer Mr. Mark Pettingill confirmed that he was acting on behalf of Mr.

Robinson.

Dr. Ewart Brown and Mr. Kenneth Murray Brown are also named in the suit. When contacted this week both men declined to comment.