as radio reports suggested an explosion had ripped through St. David's.

VSB claimed a "loud explosion'' was heard on the island, adding that the Bermuda Electric Light Company had gone to investigate.

But a company spokeswoman said: "That is simply the sound you get when the voltage supply cuts off.'' The blackout on St. David's Road, between Jacob's Point and Stokes Point, was over by 12.40 p.m.

It is thought the power cut was triggered when trees fell on overhead cables.

DRIVER GAVE POLICE HIS BROTHER'S NAME CTS Driver gave Police his brother's name A man charged with driving offences gave Police his own brother's name in a bid to avoid a court appearance.

Howard Ascento, fined $940 yesterday, told officers his first name was Henry when he was stopped on North Shore Road in a white Subaru on July 5.

Police issued a warrant when the 36-year-old dodged a summons -- until he was spotted yesterday, again giving his name as Henry.

P.c. Lyndon Raynor, prosecuting in Magistrates' Court, said: "While at Hamilton Police station he was identified as Howard Ascento.

"He was further detained and charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.'' Ascento told Senior Magistrate Will Francis: "I'm Howard. Henry is my brother.'' Mr. Francis said: "You keep hearing about this sort of thing. How could you give your brother's name like this? What did he have to say about it?'' Ascento replied: "I haven't really approached him about it.'' Ascento, of Town Hill, Smith's Parish, was fined $240 for speeding at 56 kph, $300 for driving while disqualified and $400 for attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was also given another one-year driving ban.

MAN ROBBED AFTER FIGHT CRM Man robbed after fight A 44-year-old Hamilton Parish man was allegedly robbed by a man during a fist fight.

The man said he was drinking in a Court Street bar around 2.15 a.m. yesterday when he got into an argument with another man.

The suspect apparently ripped several gold bracelets off the victim's wrist and ran off after the argument escalated to a fist fight outside of the bar.

`KNIGHT'E ARNS NAME RES SLG `Knight' earns name Two vessels were thankful to a white knight after they broke down off the East End.

The 30 foot White Knight rescued the boats No Fear and Something Special in the channel off Tobacco Bay on Monday.

Bermuda Harbour Radio said White Knight towed No Fear , with one person on board, into Tobacco Bay and then came across Something Special , which was also disabled.

The vessel took the boat, with one adult and three children on board, into Ferry Reach.

PLAY ALMOST SOLD OUT FNR Play almost sold out A play being performed this weekend to raise cash for one of Bermuda's best known broadcasters has all but sold out.

The benefit fundraiser `Wrong for Each Other' is being performed at the BMDS Daylesford Theatre this Saturday and Sunday for George Rushe, a well known journalist, broadcaster and actor who was recently diagnosed with a serious illness.

A number of Mr Rushe's friends and colleagues have formed the organisation Friends of George to help raise cash for the broadcaster who has to make frequent trips to the US for treatment.

Last night Friends of George spokesman John Instone said: "There are still a few tickets left for Sunday night but Saturday is sold out.'' Both performances at Daylesford Theatre will be preceded by a champagne reception at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Anyone still wishing to but tickets for Sunday's show should call 295 3688 during office hours or 238 3282 at other times.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should make cheques payable to FOG and send them to PO Box DV 32, Devonshire,