accused of attacking her.

The man, who cannot be named, was said to have sexually assaulted his girlfriend on a number of occasions. He pleaded not guilty to the charge yesterday in Magistrates' Court.

Crown counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly said the woman was living in "constant fear'' of another assault.

But defence lawyer Mr. Archie Warner denied this, saying the woman was in court and wanted to drop the charges. She had offered to stand bail for her boyfriend.

"This is extremely peculiar -- for the injured party to be the bailsman,'' said Acting Senior Magistrate the Wor. John Judge. He set bail at $15,000 with one surety.

ARRIVALS UP TOU The number of visitors this year has broken through the 300,000 barrier.

Latest figures show 303,021 visitors arrived here between January 1 and July 25.

This is 11.1 percent -- or 30,377 -- more than during the same period in 1992.

Air arrivals, 226,180, and cruise ship passengers are up 9.6 and 18.3 percent respectively.

For the week July 19-25, the number of holidaymakers climbed by 17.9 percent over last year to 16,402.

Those flying in made up 10,646 -- 13 percent more than in 1992. And visitors arriving by cruise ship comprised 5,752.

The cruise liners were all booked to over capacity.

FLOOD FUND SET UP FNR US Midwest flood victims will soon be receiving assistance from an unexpected source: Bermudians.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said yesterday the Bermuda Government would make the first contribution to the fund -- $100,000 -- as soon as banking arrangements were made.

The United States Government helped Bermuda with disaster funds after Hurricane Emily; now it's Bermuda's turn, said Sir John yesterday in a press release.

"Accounts will be opened at local banks and it is my hope that residents and businesses alike will contribute whatever they can,'' he said.

HOLIDAY PARKING TFC Police have issued road closure notices and parking restrictions for those attending the Cup Match festivities this Thursday and Friday.

People who do not live on Wellington Slip Road will not be able to drive their cars or ride their cycles on that road between 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. on either day.

Between 8.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. on both days parking will not be permitted on Mullet Bay Road from the Swing Bridge to the western boundary of St. George's.