Council yesterday for calling her a "rude bitch'' in court.

The Magistrates' Court furore was sparked when Ms Wilson claimed Veronica Gordon "slandered'' her during a hearing in the morning Plea Court session.

Miss Gordon, daughter of the Leader of the Opposition, immediately denied calling Ms Wilson a bitch.

And she said Police prosecutor Phil Taylor, who was guiding her in court, also did not hear the alleged remark.

The row came as Ms Wilson and Miss Gordon argued over who should have access to a list of one defendant's past convictions.

Miss Gordon, who has not yet been called to the Bar, asked to see the file while Ms Wilson was addressing Senior Magistrate Will Francis.

But the defence lawyer, acting as duty counsel, immediately snapped: "I haven't finished yet.'' And moments later, Ms Wilson sprang to her feet to protest to Mr. Francis that Miss Gordon had uttered "an obscenity and a slander'' under her breath.

She said: "I am a senior member of the Bar and I will not be referred to in court as a rude bitch by this junior counsel.

"This matter will be referred to the Bar Council.'' Miss Gordon denied the comment, snapping back: "There is a problem here with Ms Wilson today.

"And as a junior, I would have thought that senior members of the Bar would have done everything they could to help learned juniors.'' Mr. Francis tried to defuse the row, which was holding up the hearing of a man who admitted stealing a toolbox and tools worth $900 from a building site.

The Senior Magistrate, turning to Miss Gordon, said: "It's not becoming of you to show your irritation.

"It might irritate you, but I can tell you that what you are getting from Ms Wilson is minor compared to what you could get from certain more senior members of the Bar, as you go along.

"One of the things about being an advocate is to learn to take a lot of roughing up and to take it calmly.

"I can understand Ms Wilson being a bit irritated by the fact that you were about to interrupt her while she was on her feet.

"Perhaps Mr. Richard Hector or Mr. Saul Froomkin might want to jump up and interrupt her while she is on her feet but that is a different thing as they are very senior lawyers.'' Miss Gordon added: "I wanted a little bit of help and guidance instead of being shouted at by the senior counsel.'' And Mr. Francis also had words of advice for Ms Wilson, saying: "Just take it easy on her.

"She's just learning, do you understand? I don't think you need to take this any further... but anyway, I leave it up to you.'' Ms Wilson was unavailable to comment on what action she would take after yesterday's court session.

But the defendant, cocaine user Garth Hayward, 31, living at the Salvation Army shelter in Pembroke, was bailed for $1,000 so a social inquiry report could be prepared.