A love-struck Briton will be "seen off'' the Island this morning after he pleaded guilty yesterday to assault on a love rival.

Senior Magistrate Will Francis ordered visitor Peter Grimes held at St.

George's Police Station until the first flight out of Bermuda this morning after a three-way deal was worked out between lawyers and the Crown.

Grimes, 37, pleaded guilty to punching Oliver Taylor at the Frog and Onion Restaurant in Dockyard on January 10.

Crown counsel Veronica Gordon told Mr. Francis that Grimes punched Taylor after learning he was the current boyfriend of a Frog and Onion employee with whom he had had a previous relationship. Grimes told Police he had come to the Island to see the woman.

Ms Gordon said Grimes charged Mr. Taylor and as the men fought Taylor was punched a second time.

On Tuesday, a Protection Order was issued, but Grimes was found on the Railway Trail near the pair's Somerset home by Police on Wednesday.

The case was delayed until after lunch yesterday while legal discussions ensued between prosecutors and duty counsel Paul Harshaw and lawyer Michael Smith, acting for Mr. Taylor.

Yesterday the lawyers, who were joined by head of Police Prosecutions Insp.

Anthony Mouchette, told Mr. Francis they had agreed that Grimes be sentenced immediately for the assault charge.

But, referring to the stalking charge which is dependent on a complaint, Mr.

Harshaw said: "It is anticipated that he be allowed to leave of his own volition after being remanded for the night.'' "He doesn't plan to come back to Bermuda for any other visits,'' Mr. Harshaw continued. "The original complainant is agreeable to this course.

Mr. Smith added: "We have agreed where he actually leaves Bermuda on the 7 a.m. flight.

Mr. Harshaw interjected: "Mr. Grimes finds himself in an awkward situation.

His personal circumstances dictate that he be remanded until he leaves.'' Grimes apologised for his actions, saying: "I never came here to cause any trouble.'' Mr. Francis agreed to the unusual arrangement, and said paperwork would have to be amended for Grimes to be remanded by Police rather than Her Majesty's Prison Service.

Grimes, who's British address is not known, was given a conditional discharge for assaulting Mr. Taylor.