lie during a Police interview.

The accusation was made by Sinclair Samuels who said Mr. Perinchief secretly tapped his foot under the table when he wanted him to say "no'' to certain questions.

Samuels is currently in the middle of a drug importation trial in Supreme Court. The 25-year-old, of Cedar Park, Devonshire, is accused of importation, possession and handling cannabis with a street value of $10,300 with intent to supply it. He was caught with the cannabis in his bag at the Civil Air Terminal while returning from New York, in July.

Also accused is his long-time friend Quinton King, of Border Dell Lane, Devonshire, who is defended by lawyer Mr. Tim Marshall.

Samuels made his accusation about Mr. Perinchief during cross examination by Mr. Marshall, who described it as an "outrageous allegation'' yesterday.

Mr. Marshall was asking him if he was prepared to lie about the case to help himself. Samuels said that he was not a liar.

So the lawyer pointed out that when Samuels was asked by Police if he had seen King smoking marijuana at any time during their visit to New York he had denied it.

In court this week he has confirmed that he and King smoked marijuana during the trip.

Samuels said: "My lawyer, Mr. Perinchief told me he would tap my foot when I should say no. When this question was asked he tapped my foot.

"I was told to do this by Mr. Perinchief. He was my lawyer who was supposed to defend me. After this happened I sacked him.'' Mr. Marshall asked why Samuels had not gone to the Police and changed his story. Mr. Marshall said: "It seems to me that you are running away from responsibility by putting the blame onto Mr. Perinchief.

"You are blaming everything you have done on Mr. King and on your previous attorney. The decision to lie was yours.'' Samuels replied: "I went along with my lawyer's advice. I am not trying to shift the blame -- I know what happened.'' Mr. Marshall blasted Samuels, stating that he should not be making the "outrageous allegation of tapping your foot'' without having Mr. Perinchief present to defend himself.

Prosecuting Crown Counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly said: "Your lawyer did not tell you to lie about this. The lie was your choice.'' For report of the trial see Page 5.