An inquest came to an abrupt halt yesterday when a frustrated coroner threatened to hold a witness in contempt of court -- and suggested he seek legal counsel.

Patro (Tony) Ford, also known as "The Black Indian Chief'', died on May 23, 1996 following a hit-and-run cycle accident near Shelly Bay around 3.30 a.m.

on May 20, 1996.

Maurice Junior Harvey was later pegged as the other cyclist involved in the accident.

Witnesses, who saw Mr. Harvey leaving the Swinging Doors club on Court Street the night of the accident, previously testified that he appeared drunk. But Mr. Harvey said he did not have more than one beer.

Mr. Harvey repeatedly told Coroner Arthur Hodgson that he did not remember anything from the time he reached Flatt's Village and the following morning.

Yesterday lawyer Darcy Lord told Mr. Harvey: "I put it to you that this collision occurred as a result of you travelling at a high speed and crossing the centre line.'' Mr. Harvey asked Mr. Lord to clarify what he meant by "a high speed'', and stated that his model of bike could not go faster than 65 to 72 kph.

However, tensions rose when Coroner's officer Donald Grant asked Mr. Harvey how he knew his bike could travel that fast.

When Mr. Harvey continued to evade the question, Mr. Hodgson advised him to get an attorney and warned him that he could be held in contempt of court.

"We're not involved here in some kind of game -- we're trying to establish what happened in this accident and we would appreciate it if you would simply answer the questions,'' said a clearly irritated Mr. Hodgson.

He adjourned the inquest for ten minutes and demanded that Mr. Harvey return with an answer.

But when the inquest reconvened, court officers scrambled outside to find Mr.

Harvey -- who went missing during the break.

When Mr. Harvey was brought back into the courtroom, he reluctantly admitted that he had ridden the bike at 70 kph in the past and used to pack-race as a teen.

Sgt. Grant noted that his admissions contradicted his earlier testimony that he never speeded.

Mr. Harvey also admitted under questioning that he had recently been in another road traffic accident and sustained serious injuries as a result.

But when Sgt. Grant asked him if he remained at the scene of that accident, Mr. Harvey asked Mr. Hodgson: "Your Honour, may I seek legal advice please?'' Mr. Hodgson granted his request.

The inquest is expected to continue this morning.