The monthly arraignments session in the Supreme Court last just 40 minutes -- and in that time 19 people appeared before Chief Justice Austin Ward.

The only case to progress yesterday was that of Neville James Woods, who pleaded guilty to the aggravated robbery of Island Hi Coffee on August 31.

Woods, of Curving Avenue, faces up to ten years in jail for the $315 machete brandishing robbery. He will be sentenced on January 22.

Noting that the first person scheduled to appear before him had not showed up to face an assault charge after all of the others had been dealt with, Mr.

Justice Ward said: "Very well, he's had 35 minutes. A warrant of arrest is to be issued.'' The session was dominated by "mention'' hearings as social inquiry and psychiatric reports were prepared for sentencing dates and trial date availability was settled among the lawyers.

Mr. Justice Ward also commented on Government's promise of additional judges for the bench which was expected to reduce the backlog of cases and shorten the time it took for a case to come to trial.

When he suggested that a woman's case for currency offences had "been around a long time'' and that "justice delayed is justice denied'', lawyer Elizabeth Christopher commented that "there should also be fairness''.

A psychiatric report has not been completed on Wendy Catherine Lightbourne, who is accused of fraud and money laundering.

She has been in custody since at least June and has seen continual adjournments pending sentencing.

"I've heard some talk about more staff but I don't know about that yet,'' Mr.

Justice Ward said.

Addressing Director of Public Prosecutions Khamisi Tokunbo, Mr. Justice Ward said: "Mr. Director, If I get my staff, be warned to come to bat!'' The Island's top prosecutor replied: "Oh, most definitely, My Lord.'' "Let us show Ms Christopher what swift justice is,'' Mr. Justice Ward added.

"Some of these people who are here in arraignments shouldn't have to keep coming back. Let's set a date and proceed to trial for these things.''