Bail has been granted to a 25-year-old Pembroke man who is accused of importing cannabis and escaping from Police officers last week.

Neiko Devell Burchall, of Happy Valley Lane, pleaded not guilty to nine counts before Magistrate Edward King yesterday.

Crown Counsel Graveney Bannister represented the Crown and lawyer Larry Mussenden represented Burchall.

Mr. King ordered Burchall to be released on $5,000 bail with two sureties of $2,500 each.

Burchall denied importing cannabis, importing cannabis resin, possessing cannabis resin with intent to supply and assaulting two Police officers on January 3rd.

He also denies escaping lawful custody, on January 4, possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing cannabis resin, and possessing drug equipment.

Burchall is alleged to have had 65.23 grams of cannabis worth $3,225 and the cannabis resin weighs 15.9 grams worth $1,500.

He elected to be tried in Magistrates Court. It is alleged he escaped from sleeping Police officers at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital early on Thursday morning.

Mr. King commented that even though prosecutors decide where a person can be tried "magistrates hold the trump card'' in that they can send a person to the Supreme Court to be sentenced.

Mr. Mussenden complained to Mr. King that Burchall had been in custody since last Wednesday but had not been given a chance to have a shower.

Turning around to look at two Narcotics officers the former Policeman and prosecutor said: "I mean, even some dogs get better treatment than that! "It's deplorable. Is that how we treat people?'' Mr. Mussenden added. "A week and no shower or bath? Is that good policing? "And as a prosecutor Mr. Bannister shouldn't be smiling,'' he added. "He's representing the Crown.

"I hope the new Commissioner, Jonathan Smith is hearing this. It was a small part of the recent Serious Crimes Commission. And I implore the Police to do something about it.'' Mr. King ignored the comments, sitting with his head down and studiously shuffling papers on the bench.

But he quipped that he had lived in the UK and suggested that in that cooler climate one did not need to shower every day.