Seven men appeared before Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner yesterday in relation to military offences.

Jevon Laurillie Thomas, 21, of Middle Road in Southampton pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duty on seven occasions between October 10 and 28.

He also pleaded guilty to disobeying an order to do 14 extra days in July.

Thomas has 16 months remaining in the Regiment, and he told the court that he did not show up because of serious personal issues that `prevented him from attending to his duties'.

Mr. Warner fined him $250 on each count, and gave him until December 22 to pay.

Ross William Smith, 21, of Cut Road in St. George's also pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duty on nine occasions between June 21 and October 14.

Smith also said he had many pressing personal issues that had taken preference over the Regiment, but he said he sees what he has to do now and was willing to serve.

The court heard that Smith was self employed and took jobs as he could get them. Mr. Warner fined him $250.

Andrew Maderios Rocha, 23 of Hilsdale Avenue in Pembroke pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duty on 11 occasions from June 1 to October 27.

Rocha also said he had personal issues that kept him from attending on several days, but said he was willing to complete his outstanding parades.

He was fined $250 by Mr. Warner and given until December 22 to pay.

Colston Jacob Mckenzie, 21 of South Court in Paget pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duties on 23 occasions between April 4 and October 20.

Mckenzie also said he had some very serious problems in his personal life, and for a time was homeless.

He said he did not sign himself up but had already started serving his extra days.

Mr. Warner fined him $250 and gave him until December 22 to pay.

Antoine Eubert Anderson, 23 of Old Maid's Lane in St. George's also pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duties on eight occasions between July 11 and October 17.

He also cited family issues as the reason why he did not turn up on the days in question and said: "I would like to get out of there altogether.'' He also brought up an issue where he said he was on a trip with the Regiment and was bitten by a reptile, he was told to shut up when he made his condition known and they said it would be dealt with in Bermuda.

He said if the Regiment showed so little respect toward him, why should he show respect toward them.

Mr. Warner said none of these issues were relevant and fined him $250, and gave him until December 24 to pay.

Jason Marcus Aldred, 22 of North Cote West, Spanish Point pleaded guilty to failing to report for military duty on three occasions from October 10 to 14.

Aldred had appeared before the court on June 2 and was given a one month sentence suspended for 12 months for missing 29 days on parade.

Mr. Warner told Aldred he was thinking of locking him up, even though he had explained that as a self-employed painter he was bound to finish a job.

Aldred's Mess Sergeant spoke on his behalf and told Mr. Warner that Aldred had difficulties before, but he was doing much better and did not believe a custodial sentence was warranted.

Mr. Warner said: "The fact that you are busy working is not an excuse,'' then fined him $250 and sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Michael O'Brien, 18 of Jones Village Lane in Warwick failed to appear for his medical exam on October 4, and he told Mr. Warner it slipped his mind.

He had contacted the Regiment and was due to appear before the medical examiners today.

Mr. Warner adjourned his matter until November 28 and said: "at that time, I'll see how I'm going to deal with you,'' and he was released on $300 bail.

Midway through the Regimental matters, Mr. Warner said the Regiment should employ a psychologist to deal with all the personal issues of its conscripts.

Warrants were issued for Robin Arthur Woolridge and Kevin Wickers for failing to show up in court.

REGIMENT MILITARY MIL