Businessman Tony Brannon is planning legal action after his 12,000 circulation internet newsletter was "hijacked'' and re-sent containing allegations of Police corruption and claims the Island is a drug dealer's paradise.

Trimingham's is also considering action after the edited newsletter was sent out retaining the department store's advertising banner at the top.

Mr. Brannon, who runs the Bermuda.com website, was outraged to discover his newsletter had been altered to contain information from bermudapolice.com and bermuda.org.uk, which were set up by disgruntled former Police officer Philip Swift, who now lives in England.

Bermuda.com format and sections were retained but the content dramatically altered to contain information on drugs and the Police, sexually lewd references to Michael Douglas, and advising tourists to visit the Caribbean because Bermuda is too expensive.

The doctored newsletter, which retains the Trimingham's advertising and Mr.

Brannon's name as publisher at the bottom, went out last weekend.

Bermudapolice.com has since sent an apology to its subscribers and to Mr.

Brannon, pointing out there is no connection between the sites.

Mr. Brannon told The Royal Gazette last night: "My newsletter has been hijacked and all this c**p has been put in. My name is at the bottom and people will think I've lost my mind.

"They have sent an apology, but it's just ridiculous -- they should be sued to the fullest extent of the law.

"When I read it I was incensed because it makes Bermuda.com look really weird. I thought it was completely over the top and nasty.

"It's in the hands of my lawyers and we are considering what action to take next.'' Mr. Brannon is looking for compensation for alleged plagiarism and breach of copyright.

"I can only assume they received the newsletter, went into `forward' mode, changed parts of the format and re-sent it,'' he added.

Trimingham's board member Eldon Trimingham said last night: "This is the first I've heard of this, but we completely dissociate ourselves from it.

Newsletter gets `hijacked' "Our name seems to have been pirated and if it does have Trimingham's name on it, we'll certainly do something about it. But we'll have to take advice.'' Bermudapolice.com sent out an apology, claiming an "unfinished template'' might have been sent out inadvertently.

The apology, sent to Mr. Brannon and bermudapolice.com subscribers, states: "The letter was on format, based on a popular example issued by Bermuda.com, clearly identifying itself as being from bermudapolice.com.

"It has been alleged by Bermuda.com that bermudapolice.com has spammed their newsletter. Bermudapolice.com is unable to comment on this other than that we suspect an unfinished template has inadvertently been sent to subscribers.

"Bermudapolice.com wishes to apologise to Bermuda.com for any inconvenience this inadvertent act has caused. Bermudapolice.com wishes to stress there is no connection between the two web sites.''